A diphtheria outbreak in Niger State has claimed the lives of 10 children from Agaie and Bida Local Government Areas, who were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida but died shortly after arrival, reportedly due to a lack of essential treatment drugs.

Sources from the revealed that crucial medications were not readily available, and the delay in treatment played a role in the children’s deaths.

Although the Niger State Ministry of Health has not issued an official statement, emergency response teams have reportedly been sent to the affected areas to contain the outbreak and initiate contact tracing.

The outbreak has sparked concerns over the readiness of healthcare facilities and the shortage of essential medical supplies. The incident highlights the rising threat of vaccine-preventable diseases in Nigeria, where low immunization coverage and a fragile health system remain major public health challenges. Authorities are advising parents to vaccinate their children and seek prompt medical attention at the first signs of illness.