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Cholera Outbreak: FG Urges Nigerians to be More Vigilant, Imbibe Good Sanitation, Hygiene Practices

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Cholera Outbreak: FG Urges Nigerians to be More Vigilant, Imbibe Good Sanitation, Hygiene Practices

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has called on all Nigerians to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace and take preventive measures to combat the spread of cholera.

The call was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako who lamented
that the World Health Organization (WHO), has confirmed the ongoing cholera outbreak in Nigeria as part of the global resurgence of cases of cholera, classifying it has current a “grade 3 public health emergency”, requiring maximal WHO system wide response.

Nigeria has been identified as one of the 14 countries in Africa where the resurgence is being experienced.

The Minister said “the Federal Ministry of Environment is deeply concerned about the ongoing cholera outbreak in some states of Nigeria which has tragically claimed many lives and affected many communities. Recent situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicated a total number of 1159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 30 States. The States most affected, contributing 90% of the total cases includes, Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta and Katsina.”

Salako said: “To prevent the spread of cholera, we urge all Nigerians to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace and take preventive measures such as: keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.

“Ensuring the use of clean and safe water. Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one part of chlorine solution to 100 parts of water.

“Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, sobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice etc except it is certain that the preparation was done in an hygienic and safe manner.

“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially at moments such as after using the toilet, after cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals.

“Avoid open defecation and instead use clean and safe toilets.

“Cook foodstuff well, keeping food covered and eating it hot. Eating in public places including at parties should be done with utmost care.

“Wash fruits and vegetables with clean and safe water before eating.

“Anybody experiencing any of the symptoms of cholera is advised to seek medical attention immediately.”

The Minister also said: “We urge all Commissioners of Environment and Local Government Chairmen to support Environmental Health Officers across the country to step up their sanitation and hygiene activities through enhanced community-led total sanitation in order to break further transmission and spread of the disease. We also urge the scale-up of awareness campaigns focusing especially on places where prepared food and drinks are sold like markets, garages, schools, restaurants, stadia, religious, and sporting events. In addition, sub-national governments are urged to strengthen environmental health surveillance in eating premises like “mama put”, cafeterias, restaurants and mobile food vendors.

“We assure the general public that the Federal Ministry of Environment remains committed to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all Nigerians. This is the only way we can prevent and curtail the incidence of Cholera outbreaks and other sanitation related diseases.”

He reiterated that: “Cholera is preventable, and prevention remains better and cheaper than cure,” urging all Nigerians to take these preventive measures seriously and more importantly, keep their environment clean.

He extended the government’s condolence to families who have lost loved ones and stand in solidarity with all those affected by the outbreak.

Cholera Outbreak: FG Urges Nigerians to be More Vigilant, Imbibe Good Sanitation, Hygiene Practices

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NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe

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NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe.

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Director of Finance and Admin. of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, has made numerous achievements in providing infrastructure facilities to improve the living conditions for the people of Yobe State since he was appointed to that position

The developmental projects provided by Dr. Garba Illiya include the construction and rehabilitation of schools, primary healthcare centers, and water supply in both rural and urban areas with a view to improving the livelihoods of the people of Yobe State.

Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, also constructed and rehabilitated numerous rural roads in some local government areas across the state to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

However, Dr. Illiya also accords the same commitment to the schools by procurement of instructional materials as well as construction and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency across the northeast region.

“Dr. Illiya’s intervention, the NEDC, has contributed tremendously to increasing food sufficiency and food security in Yobe State and the North East by procuring farm inputs and implements as well as providing enough fertilizers and tractors to farmers.

He also assisted youths and women with the capital for business with empowerment initiated for self-employment and also distributed foodstuffs and other humanitarian assistance to Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.

Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya further sent youths for training in different categories, like training in phone repairs, welding, tailoring, carpentry, and others, to be self-reliant and assisted them with take-off funds for capital businesses.

He made all these achievements with a view to improving the lives of the peoples of Yobe State and the northeast region after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency destruction.

NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe

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Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy

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Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Benue says have neutralised three suspected bandits during a gun battle following the killing of a 67-year-old man in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources said the incident occurred on March 7 at about 7:30 p.m., when armed bandits loyal to a local kingpin identified as “Chen” had abducted one Zaki Sughter Agenbeer, 67, from his residence in Une Tongov community.

The attackers reportedly took the victim into the bush and killed him after accusing him of providing information about their activities to security agencies.

The DPO Katsina-Ala, in collaboration with the DPO Ukum, subsequently mobilised patrol teams and tactical units to the area. Police operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun duel during which three of the suspects were neutralised.

The corpse of the slain victim was recovered and deposited at the Zaki Ibiam Hospital mortuary, while security operatives have commenced a combing operation in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the police also confirmed an attack on the convoy of Sen. Udende Emmanuel, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, during a visit to Tsua town in Vandekiya Local Government Area for a church service.

Sources said some youths from Vandekiya allegedly attacked the senator’s convoy and damaged one of the vehicles.

The Divisional Police Officer in Vandekiya quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the senator from the situation.

In a related development, some youths also disrupted a thanksgiving service at Tsemke Church in Vandekiya, destroying plastic chairs before police intervened.

Police authorities said the swift deployment of operatives helped to de-escalate the tension and restore normalcy in the area.

Additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to Vandekiya to ensure law and order and facilitate the arrest of those responsible for the disturbances.

The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced investigations into both incidents.

Police said the general security situation across Benue State remains relatively calm, while security agencies continue monitoring developments.

Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy

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Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp

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Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp

By: Zagazola Makama

A heavy gun battle between troops and suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State has resulted in casualties on both sides, security sources said on Monday.

The clash occurred when insurgents reportedly attacked a military camp, prompting troops to engage in a prolonged firefight. Security operatives said exploitation of the camp is still ongoing.

According to sources, items recovered from the insurgents’ positions within the camp include bandoliers of PKT rounds, one AK-47 rifle, one BHT machine gun, two mortar bombs, and four hand grenades.

Sources noted blood stains and drags outside the camp, suggesting insurgent casualties during the encounter.

In a related development, troops reportedly intercepted an injured BHT fighter in the community who was being brought to the camp. The suspect attempted to escape, prompting additional gunfire, the sources said.

Sources said the situation remains under control, with troops continuing to secure the area and conduct follow-up operations to track remaining insurgents.

Further updates on casualties and operational outcomes are expected as clearance operations continue in the theatre of operations.

Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp

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