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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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NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe

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NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained 34 Community Protection Rights Advocates to protect and promote human rights in Gombe state.

Dr Joseph Wanshe, the State Coordinator of the Commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.

Wanshe said that the training was imperative toward achieving the mandate of the commission in the state.

According to him, the trained advocates, who are mostly in rural areas, will penetrate distant and rural communities where human rights violations are rampant.

He said that the training has started yielding the expected results as there have been increased number of reported cases of human rights violations from rural communities across the state.

He said that the advocates have been deployed to the 11 local government areas of the state.

“We are witnessing an upsurge in human rights reporting coming to the office.

“ The numbers are increasing as regards civil and political rights followed by cases of women and children, domestic violence, economic, social and cultural rights.

“ There are many factors involved in the upsurge as the NHRC within the last one month has stepped up sensitisations and stakeholders’ engagements.

“ We have trained Community Protection Rights advocates, who have been working and as a result, awareness has increased and number of complaints received have spiked,” he said.

Wanshe said that the trained advocates have been affiliated to NHRC at the local government levels toward ensuring wider coverage of the state in terms of human rights protection.

He assured residents on the commission’s effort at ensuring that it achieved effectively its mandate of protection and promotion of human rights.

Wanshe commended the people of Gombe State for their improved confidence in NHRC which has resulted in improved reportage of human rights violations

He further urged communities to support the advocates in their domains in the overall interest of human rights protection.

NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe

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Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja

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Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 11 suspected criminals conveying materials believed to be for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

By: Zagazola Makama

Security sources said the suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were arrested at about 12:59 a.m. on April 27 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.

The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road, allegedly loaded with IED-making materials.

According to preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.

Items recovered from them include explosive charges and three-and-a-half bags of unidentified mineral substances, among other sundry materials.

The suspects are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain their intent and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.

Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja

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Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community

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Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Godel community of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:08 p.m. on April 27 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.

The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.

According to the sources, the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area following the encounter.

However, during the attack, the assailants reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle belonging to residents of the community.

Three civilians were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical attention.

The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent further attacks and recover the rustled livestock.

Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community

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