At least, twelve people have died and more than 230 others have been hospitalized, following a cholera outbreak in Niger State.

The outbreak, which began on Sunday in Shiroro Local Government Area, has since spread to at least five other LGAs, including Minna, Bosso, Magama, Bisa, and Munya.

As of Wednesday (yesterday), a total of 239 people had been affected and were receiving treatment across several primary healthcare centres in the impacted areas, according to state health officials.

In response, the state government has opened an isolation ward at the old section of the Late Sen. Idris Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna to manage and contain the spread of the disease.

The Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, said a multi-sectoral response team had been deployed and treatment centres established in the affected LGAs.

“Aggressive sensitisation campaigns are ongoing, targeting religious organisations like CAN and Islamic groups, as well as the eight emirates in the state,” he said.

Dangana praised Governor Mohammed Bago for his rapid intervention and also acknowledged the role of donor agencies supporting the state’s efforts.

The Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Idris, identified Chanchaga, Minna, Bosso, and Shiroro as the most severely affected.

Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to maintain proper hygiene, avoid unsafe water sources, and seek immediate medical attention at the first signs of infection.