No fewer than 13 persons have reportedly lost their lives, while over 236 others have been hospitalised following a cholera outbreak that has swept through six local government areas of Niger State.

The outbreak, which was first detected on Sunday in Shiroro LGA, has rapidly spread to Bosso, Minna, Magama, Bida, and Munya local councils, raising alarm among residents and prompting urgent intervention by the state government.

Naijaonpoint reports that the state’s Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, who confirmed the development on Wednesday, said the government had adopted a multi-sectoral approach to contain the spread of the waterborne disease.

“We have set up treatment and isolation centres to mitigate the spread, and we are also embarking on aggressive sensitisation campaigns,” Dangana said.

According to him, the awareness campaign is focused on faith-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Islamic groups, and traditional rulers across the state’s eight emirates.

As part of efforts to boost emergency response, the government has activated an isolation centre at the old wing of the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre along Old Airport Road in Minna.

Dr Dangana commended Governor Umaru Bago for what he described as “swift intervention” in mobilising resources to tackle the outbreak. He also acknowledged the support of donor agencies working with the state.

Speaking further, the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Idris, corroborated the commissioner’s update, stressing that Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro remain the worst-hit.

“As of now, we are focusing attention on the epicentres where transmission is highest. Surveillance and case tracking are ongoing in all affected LGAs,” Channels Television quoted Idris as saying.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, while residents have been urged to maintain strict hygiene practices and report suspected cases promptly. Authorities are also appealing to residents to avoid open defecation and to consume only clean, treated water.

As of press time, no new fatalities had been reported, but officials warned that the risk of further casualties remains high if preventive measures are not strictly adhered to.