A fresh outbreak of diphtheria has claimed the lives of ten children in Niger State, raising fears of further spread in affected communities.
The deadly disease was reported in Agaie and Bida local government areas, where several children were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida. Sadly, they did not survive.
Residents say the death toll may rise as additional fatalities have been recorded in some villages within the two councils.
The situation has triggered panic among parents and health workers, who now fear the outbreak could overwhelm already struggling medical facilities.
One resident of Bida, who spoke under anonymity, expressed shock at the rising deaths. He pleaded with the state government to act immediately.
According to him, hospitals in Agaie and Bida need urgent supplies of drugs, vaccines, and protective equipment. “This is a matter of life and death.
We appeal to the government to provide drugs to our hospitals to curb the spread before it reaches other communities,” he said.
When contacted, Dr. Mohammed Gana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, confirmed the outbreak.
He assured the public that the state government, in partnership with health agencies, is working to contain the disease.
According to him, efforts are underway to deliver medications, strengthen surveillance, and raise awareness among residents.
Medical experts warn that diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection, spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. It often affects children who are unvaccinated or under-immunized.
Symptoms include sore throat, fever, difficulty breathing, and a thick coating in the throat that can block airways. Without quick treatment, it can be fatal.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have repeatedly cautioned Nigeria about rising diphtheria cases.
Last year, the country recorded thousands of suspected infections across several states, with children being the most vulnerable group.
Niger State now joins the list of states struggling to contain new outbreaks.
Parents in Agaie and Bida are worried about the lack of vaccines and poor access to health care.
Many believe that inadequate government attention has left rural communities exposed to preventable diseases.
The outbreak comes at a time when Niger is also battling other health and security challenges, including banditry, malnutrition, and poor medical infrastructure.
For now, families in Agaie and Bida are calling on the government to move beyond promises and deliver lifesaving interventions quickly.
Until urgent measures are taken, residents fear more children could lose their lives to a disease that can be prevented with timely vaccination.
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