Niger State is currently battling a severe cholera outbreak that has spread across six local government areas, leaving at least 13 people dead and over 236 others hospitalised, according to state health officials. The situation, described by authorities as “worrying but under control,” has sparked an aggressive multi-sectoral emergency response by the state government, with treatment and isolation centres set up to contain further spread.

The outbreak was first reported on Sunday, July 21, in Shiroro Local Government Area but has since spread rapidly to five other LGAs; Bosso, Minna (Chanchaga), Magama, Bida, and Munya. Health officials have confirmed a sharp rise in suspected and confirmed cases, particularly in Shiroro, Chanchaga (which includes Minna, the state capital), and Bosso currently considered the epicentres of the outbreak.

Speaking to journalists in Minna on Thursday, the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare in Niger State, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed the outbreak and provided a breakdown of the government’s containment strategies.

“Yes, we are dealing with an outbreak of cholera in six local government areas. Thirteen lives have been lost so far, and more than 230 persons are currently receiving treatment across different facilities,” he stated.

Dr. Dangana noted that the state government has adopted a multi-pronged response, setting up treatment and isolation centres in all six affected LGAs. These centres, he explained, are being manned by trained personnel and stocked with oral rehydration salts, antibiotics, IV fluids, and essential sanitation supplies.

“We are also embarking on aggressive sensitisation campaigns targeting at-risk communities. Our awareness drive is focusing on churches, mosques, schools, markets, and traditional institutions,” he said.

“We’re working closely with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), various Islamic groups, and the eight emirates in the state to disseminate lifesaving information to the grassroots. Prevention remains the best defence,” he added.

Swift Government Response

As part of its response measures, the state government has commissioned an additional isolation and treatment centre at the old wing of the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre, located along Old Airport Road in Minna. The facility has been designated as a referral point for severe cases in the Minna-Bosso axis.

Dr. Dangana also expressed gratitude to Governor Umaru Bago for his quick intervention, saying the governor personally directed the release of emergency funds and mobilised support from local and international health partners. According to him, donor agencies have also started responding, with some already supplying water purification kits, sanitation materials, and hygiene education materials to vulnerable communities.

The Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, also confirmed that surveillance teams have been deployed to all six LGAs to closely monitor the evolving situation.

“We have mapped out all affected wards, and our teams are carrying out case tracing, community testing, and environmental inspection,” he said. “Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro remain our priority areas at the moment.”

Causes and Challenges

Sources within the state health system have attributed the spread of the disease to several factors, including poor access to potable water, open defecation, overcrowding in urban slums, and inadequate waste disposal systems. The ongoing rainy season has also compounded the situation, with floods contaminating shallow wells and surface water sources used by many residents.

Residents in some affected areas who spoke to reporters lamented the lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation infrastructure.

“Our only source of water is a stream behind the village, and when it rains heavily, the water becomes muddy and mixed with waste,” said Musa Lawal, a resident of a community in Shiroro. “People here don’t have a choice. We just drink and cook with it.”

Experts warn that without immediate interventions to improve water quality, public hygiene, and waste management, the situation could deteriorate further.

Cholera, caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, typically manifests with acute diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, and in some cases, death if untreated. The disease can spread rapidly, especially in overcrowded areas with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare.

The Niger State Ministry of Health is urging residents to adhere strictly to health and hygiene guidelines. Citizens are being advised to: Boil or treat all drinking water, Avoid open defecation and ensure safe disposal of waste, Wash hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet and before meals, Cook food thoroughly and store it in clean, covered containers, Immediately report symptoms such as frequent watery stools, vomiting, or weakness to the nearest health facility.

Officials have also encouraged religious and traditional leaders to assist in disseminating key health messages, particularly in rural communities with limited access to media.

Though authorities say the outbreak is under control for now, they remain on high alert. Emergency health teams have been put on standby across all zones of the state, and weekly situation reports are expected to be released by the Ministry of Health.

There are also plans to collaborate with the federal government and international NGOs to strengthen long-term water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure across vulnerable areas.

“We are hopeful,” said Dr. Dangana. “With the support we are getting from the state government, our partners, and the communities, we believe we can contain this outbreak and prevent future recurrences.”

As residents come to terms with the outbreak and its impact on their daily lives, public health advocates stress the need for investment in long-term infrastructure to address the root causes of such outbreaks and to build resilient health systems capable of protecting the most vulnerable populations.