Borno State Government has alerted that, 37 people have so far died following an outbreak of cholera in parts of the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Dauda Iliya shared an alert on the outbreak, in which 3000 cases have been recorded.
The alert claimed that, ” the outbreak of cholera the first incident report on the 1st of May and confirmation on the 4th of May, it is confirmed that we are facing a serious health crisis as a devastating cholera outbreak has struck Borno, with over 3,000 reported cases and 37 tragic deaths across 36 wards in 7 local government areas (LGAs) within the month of May”.

Accordong to the incident report, signed by Dr Saleh Abba Kaza, “in the last 24hrs over 100 cases were reported and over the last 29 days of May Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) has the highest incidence, recording more than 2,000 cases, followed by Jere with over 1,000. Additional LGAs involved include Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala, and Magumeri, affecting over 138 communities in total”.

Quoting health authorities, kaza explained that, available health infrastures are currently bring overwhelmed, and immediate collective action is essential to combat the spread of this illness.

While calling for public action on the need to protect communities, the govermment urged for immediate implementation of certain critical measures.
Government called on the public to enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Practices.
It noted that, pipe-borne water and dams in many communities have been contaminated, and need Chlorination of all water sources.
The government also frowned at open defecation in many communities, which pose serious risks to citizens.
The red alert calls for proper waste disposal to prevent contamination, especially with the rainy season.
It further called on parents to encourage children to avoid picking up waste, as this can introduce illness into homes.
To promote thorough handwashing before meals and after using the toilet, practice safe food preparation, and ensure solid waste is effectively managed.
The alert also called for early reporting of suspected cases and swift action by health authorities to contain the spread and save lives.
Early signs of the disease includes vomiting or watery stools and body weakness, which should be reported immediately to the nearest healthcare facility.
It announced the availability of Borno state emergency ambulance services for evacuation to treatment centres, which could be assesed through 08000000033.
The state government went further to warn on relying on unqualified treatment within homes or neighborhoods, and to seek professional medical assistance for health concerns.
“The state ministry of health is making concerted effort to make Cholera Vaccine available in the shortest possible time however, it is never a subtitude to WaSH and especially regular and proper hand washing”, Iliya quoted Dr Abba Kaza, as saying.

By: Fabian Apechihin

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The decision follows reports that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, granted Jonathan a waiver and endorsed him as its preferred presidential candidate for 2027.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, had filed a suit seeking to stop Jonathan from presenting himself as a candidate for the election. He also asked the court to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s nomination.

The plaintiff argued that the court should determine Jonathan’s eligibility under Sections 1(1), (2), (3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Peter Lifu held that the former president remains constitutionally qualified to contest the 2027 presidential election.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspected illegal miners for allegedly transporting solid minerals believed to be lithium ore without valid documents.

The suspects, identified as Musa Abdullahi, 45yrs, Aliyu Ibrahim, 20yrs and Ishaq Ibrahim, 51yrs, all from Keffi in Nasarawa State, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the Command’s Special Patrol Team.

Speaking during a media briefing at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Ilorin, the State Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, said the operation formed part of the Corps’ renewed crackdown on illegal mining and economic sabotage in the State.

According to him, the suspects were arrested at about 10pm on Friday, May 22, 2026, along Jebba Expressway in Okolowo area of Ilorin.

Commandant Abbas disclosed that operatives intercepted a truck bearing registration number DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna State, conveying about 36 tonnes of substances suspected to be lithium ore.

He added that preliminary investigations showed that the suspects failed to provide valid mining licences, waybills or any legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the mineral resources.

The NSCDC boss further revealed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the actual source and ownership of the minerals, identify other persons connected to the transaction and determine the mining company involved.

“The suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of investigation,” he stated.

Commandant Abbas reaffirmed the commitment of the Corps to safeguarding critical national assets, stressing that the Command would intensify operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across Kwara State.