At least eight people have died and more than 200 others have been infected following a cholera outbreak in Bukkuyum district of Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, residents and local officials confirmed on Thursday.
The outbreak, which has spread across 11 rural communities including Nasarawa-Burkullu, Gurusu, and Adabka, is being compounded by poor access to healthcare and worsening insecurity. Cholera, a water-borne disease linked to contaminated water and poor sanitation, is a recurring challenge in Nigeria, especially in rural areas and densely populated urban slums.
Local leaders say many patients are being treated at home due to a shortage of health facilities. Muhammad Jibci, village head of Gurusu, said, “We have over 21 patients presently admitted, although three died due to delays in reaching Nasarawa General Hospital.”
Another resident, Ya’u Umar, reported that 53 people had been infected in his village alone. “We don’t have medicine or drips. Bandits prevent us from going to the city,” he lamented.
Zamfara has long been at the centre of violent attacks by armed groups, who abduct villagers for ransom and disrupt farming and trade. The insecurity has further restricted access to healthcare, worsening the impact of the outbreak.
Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, a federal lawmaker, urged the Zamfara government and international humanitarian organisations to act swiftly. “Any delay will cost more lives, especially among women and children,” he warned, calling for emergency response teams and cholera treatment centres to be deployed.
Health authorities in Zamfara are yet to issue an official statement on the outbreak, even as fears grow that the disease could spread further if urgent interventions are not made.
Melissa Enoch
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