News
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
DSS Trails, Nabs Man Impersonating Personnel in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
*Arrested in tactical uniform, with fake pistol, allegedly extorting motorists
The Department of State Services (DSS) late on Wednesday in Abuja arrested a man identified as Moferewa Maiye, discovered to be impersonating a personnel of the Service.
Maiye, who claimed to hail from Agbajojun Village, Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, was trailed and arrested by DSS officers in his hideout around the NITEL Junction, along Adetokunbo Ademola Way, Wuse II, Abuja.
At the time of his arrest, Maiye was in DSS tactical uniform and armed with a fake pistol.
According to a security source, the Secret police acted on credible intelligence that Maiye was using the uniform and the fake weapon to intimidate commuters and motorists, extorting money from them.
During interrogation, added the source, the suspect reportedly claimed that his brother was a DSS personnel who died years ago.
He identified the brother as Monday Maiye, stressing that the DSS kit in his possession was his late brother’s.
The suspect is currently being interrogated as security operatives, the source stated, adding that the Service was investigating how he came about the DSS uniform and kit.
“Investigators are also trying to establish how long the suspect has been involved in similar acts of impersonation and extortion.
“The arrest underscores growing concerns by the Service over the activities of individuals who impersonate security personnel to intimidate members of the public and commit criminality,” the source declared.
DSS Trails, Nabs Man Impersonating Personnel in Abuja
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC), 2027 gubernatorial candidate Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI, FCAN, has paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, at his palace in Damaturu.
During the visit, the APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali MNI, said they were at the emir’s palace to solicit the prayers and blessings of the emir.
According to Baba Wali, “We are in the race; therefore, the visit was very significant. We need the prayers of the royal fathers and leaders because they were very vital and important at this crucial time.
Responding, His Royal Highness, the emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Al-Amin El-Kanemi, thanked the governorship candidate for the visit and prayed Almighty Allah (SWT) would guide and protect him throughout his struggle in his life.
Those accompanying the incoming governor, Inshallah, in 2027 during the visit are his deputy, Barrister Saleh Samanja; APC State chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka; and Madakin Gudi.
Others are Alhaji Aji Yarima Bularafa, Hon. Commissioner of the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment, and Employment Generation; Hon. Nasiru Hassan Yusuf, candidate for the Federal House of Representatives, representing Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, and Tarmuwa local government areas; and others.
The emir conferred the traditional title of Mukaddam of the Damaturu emirate council on Alhaji Baba Malam Wali, mni, and fcan, respectively.
Yobe: Wali visits Emir of Damaturu
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
By Zagazola Makama
LAGOS — A fire outbreak has destroyed several building material shops along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town, Lagos State.
The incident occurred at about 6:10 a.m. on Aug. 18, when a distress call was received reporting a fire outbreak in the area.
Following the alert, a team of policemen and firefighters was swiftly mobilised to the scene.
The fire affected building material shops located at 58/196 Old Ojo Road, along Fin-Niger, Satellite Town.
The emergency responders successfully contained and extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
No casualty or loss of life was recorded in the incident.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of property destroyed have not yet been established.
The police said investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak.
Fire Razes Building Material Shops in Satellite Town, Lagos
When Official Directives Become More Powerful Than the Law
DSS Trails, Nabs Man Impersonating Personnel in Abuja
Ogwashi-Uku Palace: Izediunor Faction Has Lost At Every Court Level, Including Supreme Court
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
