The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund has warned that recurring cholera outbreaks in Nigeria are posing a significant risk to children and the general population.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issued a public advisory on Thursday, reporting 30 deaths, 1,141 suspected, and 65 confirmed cholera cases across 96 local government areas in 30 states. The most affected states include Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos.

On Saturday, the Director of Sub-National Support Department at NCDC, Sebastian Yennan, updated the figures to 1,213 suspected and 74 confirmed cases.

In response, Oyo State announced two suspected cholera cases in a private hospital. This prompted Ogun and Oyo state governments to implement precautionary measures and urge public vigilance to prevent further outbreaks.

Lagos UNICEF Field Office Chief, Ms. Celine Lafoucrier, emphasized the severe health risks to children, especially those under five. “Children face substantial health risks, particularly those under five, who are prone to severe dehydration and higher mortality rate,” she stated. She urged the government to provide clean water to prevent the spread of cholera. “Despite state efforts, the current outbreak shows the urgent need for clean and risk-free water,” she added.

Lafoucrier also highlighted the importance of good sanitation and hygiene practices. “Safe water supplies, hygienic sanitation, and effective water management are key. Preventing cholera centers on good sanitation and hygiene practices,” she said.

In Oyo, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, reassured the public that the situation is under control. She mentioned that the cholera cases involved male workers at a construction site in Lekki Peninsula, Lagos State. “There is no cause for alarm. The ministry and partners are on top of the situation,” she said.

Dr. Ajetunmobi outlined response efforts, including deploying disease surveillance officers, running promotional jingles, and activating the Cholera Technical Working Group. She advised anyone with cholera symptoms to seek immediate medical attention and avoid self-medication.

In Ogun, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, detailed precautionary measures. “We have to protect our people, especially considering our proximity to Lagos,” Akinmade stated. He announced that all houses must have toilets, with a grace period of three to six months for compliance. Other measures include ensuring public toilets at petrol stations, garages, parks, markets, mechanic villages, and schools.

Akinmade advised residents to drink safe water, wash hands properly with soap, and thoroughly clean fruits and vegetables with safe water.