At least 13 people have lost their lives and 236 others hospitalised following a cholera outbreak in six local government areas of Niger State.
The outbreak, which began on Sunday in Shiroro LGA, has now spread to five other councils, with Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro identified as the worst hit.
Confirming the development, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Ibrahim Dangana, said the state government had launched a multi-sectoral response, establishing treatment and isolation centres across affected areas, including a central centre at the old wing of the Senator Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna.
He said the state is also intensifying public sensitisation through religious groups and emirate councils.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Health, Ibrahim Idris, assured residents that efforts are ongoing to contain the outbreak, with support from Governor Mohammed Bago and donor agencies.