By: Michael Mike

MSF Expresses Worries Over Rising Cases of Cholera in Zamfara

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), otherwise known as Doctors Without Borders has expressed concern over the rising number of cholera cases in Zamfara State, citing high

number of cases from three of the state’s Ministry of Health (MOH) medical

facilities it supports.

In a statement on Thursday, it said from mid-June to early August, the medical

humanitarian organisation has recorded over 1,500 cases in these facilities, while other humanitarian actors and the MOH have also reported high incidence rates in other parts of the state.

MSF’s medical coordinator in Nigeria, Dr. David Kizito said: “This outbreak is unfolding in a context of insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water and sanitation – exacerbated by the rainy season.”

The MSF stated that “while cholera has been endemic to Nigeria for decades, seasonal outbreaks typically intensify between April and October. Flooding during this period contaminates water sources, accelerating the spread of the disease in areas with poor sanitation. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to rapid dehydration and even death within hours. In response to the outbreak, MSF has scaled up its water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions and promotional activities alongside other humanitarian actors and the state MOH – which activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on 3 July.

The statement added that: “In mid-June, following the first suspected case of choleraat an MSF-supported medical facility, the organisation increased its case management and surveillance response in Zamfara, in addition to its scaled-up WASH activities. In Zurmi, MSF and other humanitarian actors supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment centre (CTC) in Zurmi General Hospital. In July, MSF supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment unit (CTU) at the Talata Mafara General Hospital and a CTC at Shinkafi General Hospital.

“In the Zurmi CTC, medical teams reported 562 suspected cases of cholera – the majority from Yambuki, Kadamusa, and Zurmi town – between 16 June and 5 August.

“In Shinkafi General Hospital, medical teams recorded approximately 401 cases between 11 July and 5 August. The most affected areas were in Shinkafi North Ward, especially within Alkalawa, Sabon Gari and Kurya. Fifty-eight cases originated from Isa LGA in Sokoto State.

“And in the Talata Mafara CTU, over 600 cases were recorded between 1 July and 8 August. Kayaye accounted for the highest percentage of cases, but the CTU received cases as far as LGAs like Anka and Bakura.

“Going forward, MSF is worried there will be more cases.”

“As cholera continues to threaten lives across Zamfara, MSF remains committed to working alongside communities, health authorities, and other partners to ensure timely treatment, prevention, and support,” Dr. Kizito said. “MSF emphasises the importance of setting up decentralised oral rehydration points and enabling all existing primary healthcare centres to treat mild and moderate suspected cholera cases. This will ensure timely treatment, reduce complications, and allow prompt referral to dedicated CTCs in hospitals such as Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Talata. Moreover, urgent cholera vaccination is needed to halt transmission and save lives. The participation of everyone in Zamfara is needed to reduce the spread. No one should die from a preventable disease.”

MSF Expresses Worries Over Rising Cases of Cholera in Zamfara

NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’ Hitch-free By-election

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 20,850 officers and men to ensure a hitch-free by-election across 16 constituencies in 12 states on Saturday.

The Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, on Thursday, assured the public of the Corps’ readiness to ensure the Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, secure election materials, safeguard officials and monitor the whole election process in synergy with the Nigeria Police who is the lead agency in Election Duty Operations.

Audi hinted the newsmen at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja, reiterating that the conduct of the by-election would be under adequate security and without hitch.

He urged the eligible voters to come out massively and vote for the candidates of their choice as a symbol of their franchise and fundamental rights.

The NSCDC Boss noted that all State Commandants within the 12 States where the election would be conducted have been adequately briefed with emphasis on Professionalism, respect for citizen’s Fundamental Human Rights and commitment to ensuring a peaceful conduct of election.

He said: “As declared by the Election regulatory body INEC, there would be by-election to fill 2 Senatorial Seats, 5 Federal Constituencies and 9 State Constituencies; you are here by directed to work in collaborations with relevant sisters security agencies within Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger and all States where the by-election would be held”.

NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’ Hitch-free By-election

CRS Reintroduction: Gov Radda Shows Genuine Sign to Tackling Insecurity and Developing in Katsina State- NCYP

By: Michael Mike

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) haa commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, for the reintroduction of Christian Religious Studies (CRS) in primary and secondary schools, and the approval of monthly stipends to all pastors in the state to encourage them to continue praying for peace.

According to the group, these decisive and sensitive actions are not only valuable to the educational sector but also represent a conscious, strategic effort to close the cracks that have, over time, created openings for insecurity to thrive in Northern Nigeria.

The group in a statement by jointly signed by its National Chairman, Isaac Abrak and the Katsina State Chapter Coordinator, Amos Kafur, said Governor Radda’s actions demonstrate that he is a listening and responsive leader.

The state read that the Christian community in Katsina State, through the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has long appealed to the government to restore the teaching of CRS in schools, just as Islamic Religious Studies is taught. By heeding this call, the governor has set a commendable example of governance rooted in fairness and inclusivity.

Quoting the Hausa adage, “Sai bango ya tsage, kadangare ya shiga” — meaning “it is only when there is a crack in the wall that a lizard can enter” — NCYP stresses that political marginalization in the North, sustained from Nigeria’s independence to date, has been a major driver of inter-religious tensions between Christians and Muslims, noting that: “These tensions have tragically evolved into the monsters of terrorism, banditry, and farmer–herder violence, consuming communities of both faiths.

“While Katsina State has had virtually no history of large-scale religious crisis, the consequences of marginalization in neighboring states have inevitably affected it, just as they are spreading across the country. Governor Radda’s bold step is proof that such destructive trends can be tamed through policies of inclusion and mutual respect.

“The monthly stipends to pastors will not only strengthen interfaith harmony but also widen the net in the fight against poverty, ensuring a fairer distribution of wealth across the state. The Governor will also do well to ensure that Christians are allowed to build churches in communities where they reside, for the propagation of Christianity and the strengthening of peaceful coexistence across the state.”

NCYP therefore hailed Governor Radda as a wise leader who genuinely cares for the growth and development of his people, stressing that: “He understands that governance rooted in inclusion — especially religious inclusion — is a fundamental building block for community resilience. With a secured state, government policies can work more effectively, and the environment will become more conducive for business growth and social progress.

“We call on leaders across Northern Nigeria, particularly political office holders, to go beyond lip service and adopt genuine religious inclusion, just as Governor Radda has done. This non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity strengthens not only the education sector but also the security architecture of the state,” the group said.

They added that: “The Northern Christian Youth Professionals — whose mandate includes the promotion of inter-religious harmony and peaceful coexistence as the foundation for economic development in the region — proudly celebrate this achievement and urge other states to emulate this laudable example.”

CRS Reintroduction: Gov Radda Shows Genuine Sign to Tackling Insecurity and Developing in Katsina State- NCYP