An outbreak of diphtheria disease has killed 10 children after it was reported in Bida Local Council of Niger State.

According to reports, all the children died at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida, where they were receiving medical attention.

It was reliable learnt that the deceased originated from Agaie Local Council and spread down to Bida communities.

Investigation had revealed that a shortage of drugs and prompt treatment culminated in the death of the children.

A local source, requesting anonymity, suggested that children are dying almost daily since the outbreak began, but the incident has not been reported.

The people of Bida community have urged the Niger State Government to urgently assist the citizens by supplying drugs to General Hospital in Agaie and Umaru Sanda Ndayako Hospital Bida, in order to prevent the further spread of the disease, which could lead to more deaths.

“Our people are not safe; this is a matter of life and death, and timely intervention by relevant government agencies will not only curb the spread of diphtheria but restore confidence in our healthcare system,” the source emphasised.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, confirmed the development.

Gana said, “Actually, there is an outbreak of diphtheria, but we are doing everything humanly possible to put the spread under control.”

The permanent secretary, however, disclosed that the high death toll was a result of some parents refusing to submit their children for vaccination in the affected areas. He expressed delight at the unwavering support of partners for assisting the state with the provision of drugs and other resources.

Gana reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm, adding that the situation was already being brought under control.