The cholera pandemic has been reported in six local councils of Niger State, with over 239 persons hospitalised.

The Guardian learnt that the outbreak was first confirmed in the Shiroro Local Council of the state last Sunday.

The six local councils affected include Chanchaga, Bosso, Munya, Shiroro, Magama, and Bida.

Speaking to The Guardian in Minna on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Niger State, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, revealed that the state government has taken action by implementing a multi-sectoral approach to halt the epidemic in the affected local council areas.

Dr. Dangana hinted that so far, treatment and isolation centres have been established in each of the affected local Councils to curb the spread of the disease.

He said, “We have put up treatment and isolation centres to mitigate, as well as embarking on aggressive sensitisation exercises. The ministry is carrying out a campaign targeting religious bodies such as CAN and Islamic bodies, including the Eight Emirates in the state.”

The commissioner, however, lauded Governor Umar Bago for his unwavering commitment, as well as all the development partners for their assistance to the state.

On his part, the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Niger State, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, explained that Chanchaga, Bosso, and Shiroro local councils are the worst-hit councils.

Dr. Idris further explained that over 239 people are afflicted by the disease and are receiving medical attention across the primary healthcare centres of the affected councils.

He also disclosed that the state government has opened an isolation centre at the old wing of the late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre, along the old airport road in Minna.