At least 10 children have reportedly lost their lives following a fresh outbreak of diphtheria in Agaie and Bida Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Naijaonpoint learnt that the victims were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, where they later died.
Additional fatalities have been recorded in surrounding communities since the outbreak began.
A resident of Bida, who pleaded anonymity, raised alarm over the rising death toll and appealed for immediate government intervention.
“This is a matter of life and death, and we appeal to the state government to urgently provide drugs to Bida and Agaie general hospitals to curb the spread of the disease to other areas,” he told Daily Trust.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, confirmed the outbreak.
He said the Niger State Government, in partnership with health agencies, had already mobilised resources to contain the spread and provide essential medication.
Naijaonpoint reports that the latest outbreak adds to a disturbing pattern of recurring diphtheria cases across the state and northern Nigeria at large.
In 2023, Niger State was among the states flagged by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) during a nationwide surge that claimed hundreds of lives, especially among children under 14. Many of the deaths were linked to low vaccination coverage and delayed treatment.
Earlier in 2024, sporadic cases were also reported in parts of Kontagora and Suleja, prompting temporary vaccination campaigns.
The return of the disease in Bida and Agaie has renewed fears that inconsistent immunisation drives and overstretched rural health facilities are worsening the vulnerability of children in the state.
Health experts warn that beyond emergency response, Niger State needs sustained immunisation campaigns, public awareness, and well-stocked rural hospitals to prevent diphtheria from becoming a yearly crisis.
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