A cholera outbreak has ravaged several communities in Zamfara, with the Gusau Local Government Health Education Officer, Abubakar Mainasara, attributing the crisis to decaying dead bodies from banditry killings.

Mainasara, while speaking in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune in Gusau on Saturday, disclosed that about 70 per cent of the current cholera outbreak occurrence is due to dead bodies.

He explained that the bandits’ activities have led to numerous deaths, and the bodies are often left in water sources or areas where they can contaminate the environment.

Mainasara stated, “When they kill people, sometimes we will know where the people are dead. Sometimes we don’t know where the people are dead. Through that, when the people are killed, maybe it’s near a river where we are fetching our water. The time when the human being scattered, when the water comes, as of rainy season, the water will rush into the river.”

The health officer emphasised that the situation is dire, citing a similar outbreak in 1996 that was even more severe due to rampant deaths.

Mainasara also highlighted the challenges faced by health workers in addressing the crisis, saying, “Our work is very dangerous work. Because we are entering any road anywhere so that the people know that the boxes and important boxes.”

Despite the risks, Mainasara expressed confidence that the government would take ownership of the project, stating, “I pray to you, and I pray to you. Yes. This is intelligent government, governor of the federal states. If you hurt over the media, because of importance and importance of the healthcare, needs in terms of the food state of emergency, for the health sector.”

“The government has reportedly taken steps to address the outbreak, including distributing vaccines and conducting advocacy visits to raise awareness about the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation.”

Mainasara emphasised the need for sustained efforts to combat the crisis, saying, “Even without our partners, in the sample, our government will host sustainability.“ (Saturday Tribune)