Benue State has reported four confirmed deaths and 16 suspected cases of cholera.
Dr. Henry Ijabo, the state epidemiologist, told journalists in Makurdi that the cholera cases were recorded in 2024.
According to him, the 16 suspected cholera cases were reported in the state’s local government areas of Agatu, Ado, and Otukpo.
He stated that the four deaths were documented while the inquiry was ongoing and that the entire number of fatalities had yet to be confirmed.
He said, “They are not confirmed yet. The four died while we were still investigating. We had one suspected case in Agatu LGA some months ago, but we recorded one suspected case in Otukpo LGA and another nine in Ado LGA.”
Ijabo stated that the state Ministry of Health was working with the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, and relevant stakeholders to investigate any events in internally displaced persons (IDPs), camps in the state, and across the state.
He stressed that the state government was already providing health facilities with all of the necessary drugs and treatment in the event of an outbreak, particularly in areas where cases had previously been reported.
He urged people to keep their surroundings clean, wash their hands frequently, avoid eating fruits without cleaning them properly, and treat or boil their water before drinking.
