A diphtheria outbreak in Agaie and Bida Local Government Areas of Niger State has reportedly claimed the lives of at least ten children admitted at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida.
According to Daily Post, the outbreak was first noticed over two weeks ago. Initial records indicated five deaths, but the figure later increased, with another five children confirmed dead. Residents, however, fear that the actual death toll may be higher, as fatalities continue to occur in affected communities.
The situation has sparked concern among locals, who are calling on the Niger State Government to urgently intervene by curbing the spread of the disease and supplying adequate medical support. Many allege that FMC Bida is currently unequipped with the required medicines and treatment facilities, leaving children at risk.
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A resident of Bida, Yusuf Yakub, raised the alarm in an open letter to Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, pleading for swift government action to prevent further loss of lives.
His letter reads in part:
“Dear Executive Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, it is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic loss of five children yesterday at the Federal Medical Centre Bida due to the outbreak of diphtheria. Sadly, this has brought the total number of children who have lost their lives at FMC Bida as a result of this disease to nine.
“The situation is alarming as FMC Bida currently lacks the necessary medicines and treatment facilities to handle this outbreak. Children are dying almost daily, and this calls for urgent intervention.
“We therefore plead with the Niger State Government and the Ministry of Primary Health Care to take immediate and decisive action. It is crucial to provide adequate drugs, vaccines, and medical support to FMC Bida to save the lives of our innocent children.
“This is a matter of life and death, and timely action will not only curb the spread of diphtheria but also restore confidence in our healthcare system.”
Confirming the outbreak, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, acknowledged the rising fatalities. He attributed the high death toll to parents’ reluctance to bring their children for vaccination but assured that the state government and health partners were intensifying efforts to provide medications and curb the spread.
However, the Public Relations Officer of FMC Bida, Mr. Kayode Arokoyo, denied reports that children had died at the centre as a result of diphtheria.
According to him:
“I am not aware of the outbreak of the disease in the centre. I will get across to the officer in charge of community health on the issue and get back to you.”
As of the time of filing this report, FMC Bida had yet to provide an official response to the claims.
