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Tag: Sokoto State

  • Mysterious illness claims 8 lives in Sokoto

    Mysterious illness claims 8 lives in Sokoto

    No fewer than eight deaths and 208 suspected cases related to a mysterious illness have been recorded in Sokoto State, an official disclosed.

    Dr Ibrahim Usman, Center Manger of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Sokoto made this known in his presentation during an interactive session with officials of Sokoto State Ministry of Health and NCDC Director General, Dr Jide Idris, alongside his team on Thursday in Sokoto

    The incident occurred at Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas of the state.

    Usman said prompt control measures were ensured by the NCDC and Sokoto State Government as samples were transported to higher laboratories for test to ascertain the disease.

    “The illness manifested with symptoms such as abdominal distension, fever, vomiting and weight loss, primarily afflecting children aged four to 13, along with some adults.

    “Already, the NCDC has deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT), to collaborate with the State Ministry of Health to investigate the matter,” Usman said.

    He added that the affected children were taken to Specialist Hospital in Sokoto for treatment, while residents of the affected areas were sensitised on the dangers of the mysterious illness and advised to report cases promptly.

    According to him, interim results indicate varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemical usage.

    “The collaborative efforts extend beyond health institutions, encompassing government agencies, research bodies and community stakeholders,” he said.

    He commended the efforts of Medical Doctors and other healthcare personnel in containing the spread as well as treatment of affected persons, “who are now responding to treatment.”

    Earlier, Dr Larai Tambuwal, Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA) told the visiting team that complications from agricultural practices was being suspected.

    She said other considerations should also be centered on climatic conditions, security challenges, sources of water, open dedication, poor healthcare response, malnutrition and other surrounding issues.

    “This is not the first occurrence, as a similar incident occured in Tureta local government area of the state and was documented in 2023 without a conclusive diagnosis,” she said.

    She added that with similar occurrence in neighbouring Zamfara state, there was need for more clinical assessment to obtain the real outcome of the infectious origins.

    The Executive Director of Sokoto State Hospital Services Management Board, Dr Bello Attahiru, assured of more proactive measures to contain the disease and treatment of those infected.

    Attahiru said a ward was allocated for victims of the illness alone in the hospital and many were recuperating.

    In his address, NCDC Director General said that the search for causative factors continued, including heavy metal testing and assured to establish a standard laboratory located in Sokoto state.

    While investigation into the disease continued, the DG solicited for more vigilance within affected communities.

    Idris stressed the need for prompt reporting of symptoms to healthcare facilities or designated authorities.

    According to him, NSCDC is collaborating with other agencies such as NAFDAC to unravel the disease to argument treatment towards preventing its spread.

    He said all areas were being considered for unravelling the cause of the illness and enjoined people to enhance thier healthcare seeking behaviours, improve on thier personal hygiene, surrounding cleanliness and other health issues.

    The Director General explained that his coming to Sokoto was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to provide succour to the victims and end the menace.

    He also extended his condolences to the families affected by the outbreak and commended the dedication of healthcare workers and partnering organisations.

    Idris and his team paid visits to Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state and commiserated with them over the ugly development.

  • NCDC swings into action as mysterious disease rattles Sokoto State

    NCDC swings into action as mysterious disease rattles Sokoto State

    A mysterious illness has emerged in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving both health authorities and community leaders confused.

    According to Dr Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the strange illness was reported to the agency on March 21, 2024.

    “The illness manifested with symptoms such as abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss, primarily afflicting children aged four to 13, along with some adults.

    “Already, the NCDC has deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT), to collaborate with the State Ministry of Health to investigate the matter.

    “So far, 164 suspected cases have been identified across six wards in Isa Local Government, resulting in four tragic fatalities.

    “Notably, this is not the first occurrence as a similar incident was documented in 2023. That one went without a conclusive diagnosis,” he said.

    Despite initial clinical assessments ruling out infectious origins, he said that the search for causative factors continues, including heavy metal testing.

    “Results indicate varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemical usage.

    “The collaborative efforts extend beyond health institutions, encompassing government agencies, research bodies, and community stakeholders.

    “At the moment, security challenges hamper access to affected areas, complicating response efforts,” he said.

    As investigation into the disease continues, the NCDC boss has urged vigilance within affected communities, emphasising prompt reporting of symptoms to healthcare facilities or designated authorities.

    He also expressed condolences to families affected by the outbreak and commended the dedication of healthcare workers and partnering organisations.

  • Sokoto abduction: Police confirm 15 pupils, woman missing

    Sokoto abduction: Police confirm 15 pupils, woman missing

    The Police Command in Sokoto State has confirmed the abduction of 15 Islamic education pupils and a woman in Gidan Bakuso, a village in Gada Local Government Area of the state.

    ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, the spokesperson of the command confirmed this in Sokoto, adding that the abduction took place in the early hours of Saturday.

    He said the invaders took advantage of the remote location of the village to perpetrate their evil act.

    Rufa’i identified lack of access road to some villages as one of the major challenges faced by security agencies in the state, saying that it frustrated a swift response to the incident.

    He said that the command’s tactical team had been mobilised to rescue the victims, insisting that the security agencies were currently on top of the situation.

    He appealed to members of the public to assist  the security agencies with any relevant information that could assist ongoing rescue efforts.

  • Rerun election: PDP wins Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency in Sokoto State

    Rerun election: PDP wins Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency in Sokoto State

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the PDP Candidate, Alhaji Umar Yusuf-Yabo, the winner of Saturday’s Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency re-run election in Sokoto State.

    The Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Bagudo, declared Yusuf-Yabo winner, after he polled the highest majority of the lawful votes.

    Bagudo said that the PDP candidate scored 27,041 votes to defeat his closest rival, Abubakar Dan-Bukari of APC, who polled 26, 213 votes.

    He also said that the candidate scored less votes, totalling 2,249, in the re-run election, compared to the APC candidate, Dan-Bukari, who scored 3,741 votes.

    He further said that the rerun election was conducted in the 26 polling units of the constituency and the result added to the configured results of the 2023 National Assembly elections in the constituency.

    The PDP candidate had led in the substantive election with a total of 24,792 votes against 22,472 votes scored by the APC candidate.

    The 2023 result was added to the outcome of the rerun election results to determine the eventual winner.

    Yusuf-Yabo was declared the winner by INEC in the 2023 National Assembly elections to represent the constituency.

    However, his declaration by INEC was challenged by Dan-Bukari of the APC at the tribunal and the Appeal Court ordered for a rerun in the 26 polling units.

  • Gov Aliyu pledges support for families of fallen heroes

    Gov Aliyu pledges support for families of fallen heroes

    Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has reiterated that his administration would continue to support retired men and families of fallen ones.

    Aliyu made the pledge during 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration on Monday in Sokoto.

    He noted that the men have sacrificed their lives for country’s unity and peaceful coexistence.

    The governor solicited for more support and considerations for proper up keep of fallen heroes families’ and the retired men in the country.

    He said they deserved to be honoured by the society through sustaining their needs and cater for their families on health, education, housing and others.

    According to him, such gesture would motivate the present servicemen while the retired and deceased families would have a sense of belonging in the community and recognized their love ones’ sacrifice.

    The governor lauded the security men on containing the security challenges bedeviling some parts of the country and reassured more state government support in order to achieve the desired goals.

    Earlier, Alhaji Aliyu Danchadi, the Chairman of the state Council of the Nigerian Legion, said that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day was set aside to pay tribute to the heroes who paid the ultimate price of death to fight for unity and stability of the country.

    Danchadi commended the state government and individuals for their support to the families of fallen heroes and the living war veterans as well as appealed for continued donation towards improving the welfare of the legion.

    He explained that no fewer than 361 widows received empowerment training along with business working tools that comprised knitting, sewing, grinding machines last year and hoped to repeat the initiative for 460 persons this year.

    He said donations would assist in providing succour to ex-service men and the dependants of the fallen heroes.

    Leader of Fallen Heroes Wives Association, Malama Maryam Yusuf, appealed for more concern from the authorities noting that many of them lacked shelters, clothing and proper schooling of children.

    “We need houses, businesses and scholarships in order to live good living and reduced the pains of  loosing our bread winners” Yusuf said.

    About N55 million was realized during the fund raising ceremony while retired men and fallen heroes families received free healthcare services.

    At the wreath laying ceremony, the event featured military parade, symbolic release of pigeons and placement of wreaths for peace and honour to fallen heroes.

    The event was attended by Sokoto state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, Speaker Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Tukur Bondinga, Police Commissioner, Mr Ali Kaigama and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Godwin Mutkut.

    Others were representative of Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who is Galadiman Gari, Alhaji Aminu Attahiru, Heads of Department of State Security Services, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and others.

  • Sokoto State to buy N1.1bn vehicles for governor’s office

    Sokoto State to buy N1.1bn vehicles for governor’s office

    Sokoto State government on Wednesday approved the purchase of vehicles worth N1.1 billion for the governor’s office.

    The approval was part of other contracts awarded at a sum of N19 billion.

    Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Bello Danchadi, told newsmen in Sokoto at the end of the weekly cabinet meeting that the contracts were in fulfilment of campaign promises made by the governor.

    He said the cabinet also approved the construction of 47 cluster roads at Tudun Wada and Unguwar Rogo areas of Sokoto metropolis at the cost of N8.9 billion.

    He said contract for the construction and rehabilitation of township roads at Runjin Sambo area was also awarded at the cost of N2.1 billion and that of Bidinga Road at the cost of N816.2 million.

    The commissioner added that other contracts awarded were for the reconstruction of Lodge and Force Avenue Roads, Kalambaina, Roul-Mairuwa, and Tsohuwar Kasuwa roundabouts at about N800 million.

    Danchadi said contract for the construction of Gande-Silame rural road was awarded at the cost of N2.2 billion.

    Installation of solar-powered streets lights on 44 roads within Sokoto metropolis would also be executed at the cost of N1.9 billion, he added.

    The commissioner said also that cabinet set aside the revocation order made by the previous administration on the construction of Gidan Salanke Housing Estate and the company had been remobilised to site.

  • Aliyu hails Appeal Court judgment affirming his election as Sokoto State governor

    Aliyu hails Appeal Court judgment affirming his election as Sokoto State governor

    Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has hailed the Court of Appeal judgment affirming his election.

    In a statement issued by Aliyu’s Press Secretary, Malam Abubakar Bawa, the governor said the judgment was a testament to Nigeria’s impartial and just judiciary.

    Aliyu  attributed the victory to the will of Almighty Allah.

    “We view this triumph as a divine blessing, and we commend the judiciary for upholding truth and justice,” Aliyu said.

    He urged the opposition to collaborate with him to ensure development of the state.

    The governor assured the public of his administration’s dedication to delivering democratic dividends.

    “We remain resolute in providing an environment conducive to development in our state.

    “Our commitment includes ongoing efforts to eliminate bandits and criminals through sustained military operations,” Aliyu emphasised, seeking support from all stakeholders.

    Aliyu urged continued support from the public, emphasising the need for unity in achieving the state’s transformation.

    He expressed gratitude to the people’s support and prayers, acknowledging their role in the state’s successes, while encouraging for more prayers, suggestions, and constructive criticisms for the state’s progress.

    The Abuja appellate court upheld the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal’s ruling on Monday, confirming Aliyu’s victory in the 2023 polls.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, dissatisfied with the governorship election petition tribunal’s decision, appealed to the appellate court, contesting Aliyu and Deputy Alhaji Idris Gobir’s victory in the 2023 election.

  • Dengue fever alert: SOSG issues preventive measures

    Dengue fever alert: SOSG issues preventive measures

    The Sokoto State Government has issued preventive measures to address the rising concerns about the resurgence of Dengue fever in the state.

    This development is part of a recent public advisory statement signed by Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, the State Commissioner for Health, issued to the media in Sokoto on Sunday.

    Balarabe stated that although no deaths or bleeding cases have been reported so far, the state Ministry of Health was urging the residents to take preventive measures seriously to curb the spread of the viral illness.

    She explained, “In recent times, the Ministry of Health in Sokoto received reports of fever cases in many parts of the state that were not responding to standard malaria treatment.

    “The ministry collected samples from the affected cases, and the results indicated the presence of the Dengue virus in some cases,” she said.

    The commissioner said it was worth noting that similar incidents occurred in the state in 2016 and 2019.

    “Therefore, it is crucial that we all take steps to prevent the spread of this disease.
    *Dortunately, no bleeding or fatalities have been reported from any case,” she added.

    Balarabe emphasised that Dengue fever was a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, characterised by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and general weakness.

    She urged the public to take necessary measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and encouraged the use of insecticide-treated nets for sleeping.

    “We should also maintain personal hygiene by wearing protective clothing and ensuring cleanliness.

    “Furthermore, spreading awareness and educating our family, friends, and neighbors about preventive measures is essential in the fight against the disease,” she urged.

    Balarabe further urged the public to seek medical attention and directed health workers to be vigilant in diagnosing Dengue fever and providing appropriate supportive measures.

    The commissioner reiterated that Dengue fever was a preventable disease, adding,” by taking simple precautions, the impact on the community can be significantly reduced.”

  • PDP candidate rejects tribunal judgment in Sokoto

    PDP candidate rejects tribunal judgment in Sokoto

    The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 governorship election in Sokoto State, Sa’idu Umar, has rejected Saturday’s tribunal judgment upholding the election of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Umar in Sokoto.

    He stressed that the PDP remained confident and hopeful in the judicial processes to reclaim his mandate in a higher court.

    ”I wish to express our deep appreciation to the people of Sokoto state for support and prayers since we began the struggle to reclaim our stolen mandate.

    ”We also give all gratitude to Allah that we have successfully reached the first milestone in our quest to serve the good people of Sokoto state through participation in the Democratic process.

    ”Our ambition is to render service by the approval and mandate of our people through the instrument of a free and fair election.” Umar said.

    He reassure thier supporters and the electorates that they are part of this struggle, which we shall pursue with all zeal and commitment.

    ”Today’s ruling of the Governorship Election Tribunal is only a stage in our struggle to reclaim that mandate of the electorate, who are confident of our sincerity of purpose and competence to deliver service and good leadership.

    ”My running mate and I and indeed our party, recognize the role of our nation’s Judiciary, as the last hope of the common man and we are well aware that it is only through recourse to it that justice can be attained,” he said.

    He further called on people to remain focused, calm and law-abiding as well as rededicate themselves to the task of retrieving the mandate through the only civilized instrument that is available which is rule of law.

    The Sokoto Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Saturday dismissed the petition against Gov. Aliyu and his Deuty,  Idris Gobir, filed by Umar of PDP.

    Umar is challenging the election of Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Gobir over an alleged non qualification and electoral fraud during the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

    In a unanimous judgment. the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Haruna Mshelia, held that the petitioners were unable to prove the six grounds formulated in the petition.

    He said that the grounds bordered on alleged ineligibility for Aliyu and Gobir to contest, falsification of certificates, variation of names, election frauds and non compliance with electoral guidelines.

  • Sokoto Governor Vows to Deal Decisively with Blasphemers

    Sokoto Governor Vows to Deal Decisively with Blasphemers

    In the wake of a recent incident involving the killing of a butcher accused of making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has issued a stern warning against any acts that degrade the personality of the Prophet.

    The Governor’s spokesperson Abubakar Bawa, released a statement conveying Governor Aliyu’s position on the issue of blasphemy and the importance of respecting and protecting the dignity and personality of Prophet Muhammad in a predominantly Muslim-dominated community like Sokoto, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding.

    “Our religion does not encourage taking laws into one’s hands, so let us try to be good followers of our religion,” the statement quoted Governor Aliyu as saying.

    The Governor emphasized that any alleged crime or blasphemy should be reported to the appropriate authorities rather than resorting to vigilantism.

    He assured the people of Sokoto that the present administration would not take the issue of blasphemy lightly and would deal decisively with anyone found guilty of degrading the personality of Prophet Muhammad in accordance with Islamic laws.

    Governor Aliyu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property for all law-abiding citizens.

    Blasphemy cases have been a contentious issue in Nigeria, often leading to public outrage and tragic outcomes.

    The recent incident in Sokoto, where a butcher was killed after allegedly making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad, has sparked concerns about religious tolerance and the rule of law.

    The Sokoto State Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, and it is hoped that the authorities will bring the perpetrators of the recent violence to justice, promoting a climate of tolerance, understanding, and respect for religious beliefs in Sokoto and beyond.