By Cholera outbreak in Niger State
At least 12 killed, over 230 hospitalised across six LGAs
Summary
- Outbreak in Shiroro spreads to five other LGAs; over 230 treated as of July 23, 2025
- State government deploys isolation centres and multi-sectoral teams; awareness campaigns launched
- Outbreak adds to Nigeria’s ongoing cholera crisis, with over 198,000 cases recorded in 2024
Minna, Niger State — A cholera outbreak in Niger State, Nigeria, has claimed at least 12 lives and hospitalised more than 230 people across six Local Government Areas (LGAs), according to health officials. First reported on Sunday, July 20, 2025, in Shiroro LGA, the outbreak has now spread to Chanchaga (Minna), Bosso, Magama, Bida, and Munya. As of July 23, approximately 236 to 239 individuals were receiving treatment at primary healthcare facilities.
The outbreak is attributed to Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium commonly transmitted through contaminated water or food, especially during the rainy season when sanitation infrastructure is often overwhelmed. The high number of cases and the speed of transmission have raised alarm among public health authorities.
In response, the Niger State government has activated treatment and isolation centres in the affected LGAs, with a major isolation centre set up at the Late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre in Minna. Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Dangana, confirmed that a multi-sectoral response team has been deployed and hygiene education campaigns are ongoing in markets, mosques, churches, and communities.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has been praised for prompt action, including collaboration with donor agencies to contain the outbreak and limit fatalities.
This incident is part of a larger cholera challenge confronting Nigeria. In 2024, the country reported over 198,000 cases and 3,553 deaths. The outbreak in Niger State follows a wider regional trend, with 20,117 cases and 336 deaths reported across 14 African countries by January 2025, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and WHO have reiterated the need for improved access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. The deployment of oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) has also been encouraged as a short-term preventive measure.
While immediate interventions are underway, experts warn that unless long-term investments in sanitation infrastructure and safe water supply are made, cholera outbreaks will continue to plague vulnerable communities during Nigeria’s rainy season.
