By Peter Omopo
September 19, 2025 – A fresh outbreak of cholera in Bauchi State has claimed 58 lives and left 258 people infected, sparking urgent concern from health authorities.
The disease, which has now spread to 14 local government areas, is placing severe pressure on the state’s health system and raising fears of wider transmission.
In response, the Bauchi State Government has inaugurated a Cholera Steering Committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, as well as a Technical Working Group led by the Commissioner for Health, Sani Danbam, to coordinate containment and prevention measures.
Speaking at the inauguration, Jatau described the outbreak as a major public health emergency.
“The recurrent outbreaks continue to claim lives, disrupt livelihoods, and place enormous strain on our health system and socio-economic well-being. As of week 35, the state had recorded 258 new cholera cases and 58 deaths,” he said.
The deputy governor tasked the newly inaugurated committees with leading multi-sectoral efforts to curb the outbreak and ensure long-term prevention strategies in line with the National Cholera Control Plan and the goals of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Members of the committees include representatives from the ministries of health, environment, water resources, education, agriculture, finance, women affairs, and information, alongside the Bauchi State House of Assembly, security agencies, emergency bodies, development partners, and civil society groups.
Authorities are urging residents to adopt preventive measures such as proper sanitation, safe water consumption, and early reporting of symptoms as the state works to contain the deadly outbreak.
