African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and obtain information about the Ebola outbreak from credible sources following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory.
The former vice-president also called on health authorities to strengthen contact-tracing activities, provide adequate care and support for affected individuals, and protect medical personnel working to contain the infection.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern over the development and praised healthcare professionals for their efforts to manage the situation and safeguard public health. “My thoughts are with the patient, and I commend the health professionals working with urgency to contain the infection and protect the public,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of prompt communication, transparent information-sharing and decisive intervention by relevant authorities to curb the spread of the virus and prevent unnecessary public panic. “In a moment like this, Nigerians deserve calm, clear information and decisive action,” he said.
Atiku encouraged Nigerians to follow the guidance provided by health professionals and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports about the outbreak. He also urged media organisations to exercise responsibility in their coverage of the situation, stressing that accurate reporting was essential to counter misinformation and prevent public fear. “The media has an important role in informing the public responsibly and helping prevent fear and misinformation,” he said.
The ADC chieftain further called for collective action and public support for healthcare workers at the forefront of the response, urging Nigerians to cooperate with efforts to contain the infection. “Let us stand together, support our health workers and do everything necessary to contain this case swiftly. The safety of every Nigerian must remain our shared priority,” he added.
The Federal Government confirmed the Ebola case on Tuesday after laboratory tests established that a woman who recently entered Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda had contracted the virus.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, disclosed that health officials had identified 44 contacts linked to the case. The individuals include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts, as public health teams intensify efforts to identify, trace and monitor anyone who may have been exposed to the infection.
The patient is currently receiving medical attention in isolation as health authorities implement measures to prevent further transmission of the virus.
The government has also urged passengers who may have been on the same flight as the patient, alongside individuals contacted by public health officials, to provide relevant information and cooperate fully with instructions issued by the authorities.
As part of efforts to reduce the risk of infection, Nigerians have been advised to maintain regular handwashing, avoid contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola, and seek advice from public health authorities if symptoms emerge after a possible exposure.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has made its toll-free hotline, 6232, available around the clock to answer enquiries and receive reports concerning suspected cases.
