A fresh wave of diphtheria has swept through Niger State, cutting short 11 lives in just seven days and reigniting fears of a disease many thought was under control.
Health officials confirmed at the weekend that the latest fatalities were recorded in Chanchaga and Katcha local government areas. The deaths push the state’s toll to 17 since January, with 124 confirmed cases and 84 patients treated and discharged.
A Silent Killer Returns to Two Councils
The outbreak struck fast and hard. According to the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, 10 of the victims died in Chanchaga and Katcha alone. Another patient died on Tuesday at the General Hospital in Minna.
Executive Director Dr. Junaidu Inuwa said surveillance teams have also picked up cases in Bida and Agaie, while Suleja has been placed on high alert as health workers watch for any new infections.
For families in the affected areas, the news has brought panic back to clinics and markets. Parents now queue with anxious faces, asking questions they should have asked months ago.
“Refusal to Vaccinate Is Costing Lives”
Dr. Inuwa did not mince words. He blamed the rising deaths on parents and guardians who have refused to immunise their children.
“Most parents are not immunising their children, and the community structure needs to do a lot for us,” he said during an interview. “I am sure most of you are aware that recently we had an outbreak of some diseases in Chanchaga and Katcha LGAs. There were 10 cases, and all of them died.”
He described the situation as preventable, noting that vaccines are available and free at primary health centres across the state.
Health Agency Sounds Alarm, Seeks Community Help
The agency is now calling on World Development Committees and community leaders to step in. Dr. Inuwa urged them to prioritise early child health education and to mobilise women and mothers to bring children forward for immunisation.
With 124 confirmed cases already recorded this year, officials say the next few weeks will determine whether Niger can contain the spread or watch the numbers climb higher.
Health workers have intensified house-to-house sensitisation in Chanchaga, Katcha, Bida and Agaie, hoping that grief will finally turn into action before more names are added to the casualty list.
