Diphtheria Outbreak: 17 Dead, 124 Cases Confirmed in Niger State
MINNA, NIGERIA — 17 people have died of diphtheria out of 124 recorded cases of infection in three local government areas in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, within the last seven months.
State health authorities disclosed these figures during an interactive press briefing in Minna.
Presenting the health sector’s highlights for the second quarter of 2026, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana,
identified the three hardest-hit local government areas as Bida, Suleja, and Shiroro.
Current Case Breakdown and Hospitalizations
According to official data, there were a total of 124 cases, out of which 103 patients recovered fully and were discharged.
However, 17 fatalities were recorded, with 1 active case undergoing treatment and monitoring.
Authorities also confirmed that 3 new infections have been recorded, explaining that many affected children had either missed their shots entirely or only received a single dose of the pentavalent vaccine.
The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Samuel Jiya, linked the outbreak directly to poor vaccination coverage.
Government Intervention and Legal Warning
In response to the spread, Dr. Bagana announced that the government is intensifying targeted public awareness campaigns, disease surveillance, and case management.
The state has partnered with traditional rulers and religious leaders to deploy immunisation exercises across vulnerable communities.
The government issued a stern warning to parents resisting healthcare interventions.
