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MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
By: Michael Mike
A worsening Lassa fever outbreak in Benue State has triggered an urgent intervention by international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), as rising infections and deaths place severe pressure on already stretched health facilities.
Working in collaboration with the Benue State Ministry of Health, MSF has deployed emergency teams to reinforce infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, following a surge in cases that has exposed critical gaps in healthcare safety systems—particularly affecting frontline workers.
Official data indicate that as of mid-March, the state recorded 410 suspected cases of Lassa fever, with 60 confirmed infections and 14 deaths. Disturbingly, 14 healthcare workers are among those infected, raising serious concerns about inadequate protective measures within treatment centres.
The situation reflects a broader national crisis. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that Nigeria has recorded 167 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 13 weeks of 2026 alone, with a case fatality rate of 25.2 per cent—significantly higher than the 18.5 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025.
Benue State formally declared the outbreak on February 3, 2026, as infections escalated across communities in what is already recognised as one of Nigeria’s high-risk zones for the disease.
Lassa fever, an acute viral haemorrhagic illness endemic in Nigeria, typically peaks between November and April. It is primarily transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents, but can also spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons—making healthcare settings particularly vulnerable when safety protocols are weak.
Responding to the emergency, MSF launched a three-month intervention in March aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further transmission. The mission was initiated at the request of state authorities, especially in light of rising infections among health workers and persistent shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).
“Healthcare workers and patients are at significant risk when infection prevention measures are not fully in place,” said MSF Emergency Coordinator, Juniper Gordon. “Strengthening IPC and improving the organisation of care are critical to reducing transmission in health facilities.”
MSF teams are now providing hands-on support in selected facilities, focusing on strengthening clinical practices and improving patient management systems. This includes training healthcare workers on IPC protocols, reorganising triage processes, and establishing clearly defined high-risk and low-risk zones to limit cross-infection.
The organisation is also supplying essential materials, including PPE, hygiene kits, and sanitation supplies, while reinforcing waste management systems and infection control procedures. Handwashing stations are being installed across supported facilities, and surveillance efforts are being strengthened through improved data collection and monitoring.
In a move to support patient welfare, MSF is also providing food assistance to individuals in isolation centres, helping to ease the burden on affected families.
MSF said it is coordinating closely with global and national partners, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the NCDC, to scale up response efforts and curb the spread of the disease.
Despite these interventions, public health experts warn that the outbreak underscores deeper systemic challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in infection control preparedness and rapid response capacity.
MSF Ramps Up Emergency Response as Lassa Fever Outbreak Deepens in Benue
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Fulani community leader, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, in Ohimini Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm as investigations into his killing continue.
The condolence visit took place on Tuesday and was led by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), other security agencies and relatives of the deceased from different parts of the country.
During the visit, the delegation sympathised with the bereaved family and appealed to them and members of the Fulani community not to resort to self-help or reprisals.
They urged them to allow security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The delegation assured the family that the government and security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the homicide are identified and brought to justice.
Police authorities said the case was under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), adding that efforts were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Benue State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and called on all residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders were reportedly killed and one other injured in an ambush by unidentified gunmen while grazing livestock in Gero-Rafin Bauna area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.
Babayo called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the bodies of the three victims were discovered in a forest after an extensive search by members of the community.
He alleged that the victims were brutally killed during the attack.
The MACBAN chairman further claimed that the latest incident came barely two weeks after four other herders were reportedly killed in the same general area, adding that their bodies had yet to be recovered.
Babayo urged the authorities to take urgent steps to improve security in vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
He also appealed to members of the affected communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear.
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
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