By Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of the Bayelsa State Non-Governmental Organisations Forum (BANGOF) has expressed concern over what it describes as a health crisis in Nembe Local Government Area due to a suspected cholera outbreak.
The Bayelsa State Government, through its Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, recently dismissed reports of a cholera outbreak and related deaths, following an on-the-spot assessment of the local government area. The government maintains that residents are suffering from gastrointestinal ailments.
However, BANGOF, after conducting its field assessment on January 14, 2025, claims there is evidence of a suspected cholera outbreak that has claimed lives and continues to pose a public health threat in several communities within the local government area.
In a press statement signed by its chairman and secretary, Mr. Taritein Boco and Inatimi Odio, respectively, the group called for transparency and urgent action from the state government. They noted that the first case was reported on December 10, 2024, resulting in 15 deaths in Ogbolomabiri, Bassambiri, Nembe Creek, and surrounding communities. Numerous individuals are still undergoing treatment in healthcare facilities that are nearly overwhelmed.
Expressing disappointment with the inadequate response from health authorities despite early warnings, the statement highlighted that essential drugs supplied to affected areas have been grossly insufficient.
BANGOF pointed out gaps in the government’s intervention mechanisms and urged the state government and health authorities to be more transparent about the situation.
“The Commissioner of Health, during a radio discussion programme on January 16, 2025, stated that no deaths have been recorded due to the outbreak and refrained from confirming the exact cause, attributing the situation to some form of diarrheal diseases. This statement contradicts information from healthcare facilities and community testimonies, which confirm fatalities and cholera-like symptoms. We urge the Commissioner to launch a further investigation into the fatalities reported in various health facilities in Nembe.
“BANGOF emphasises the need for transparency and decisive action to address this escalating public health emergency. We call on the Bayelsa State Government to:
Release Laboratory Results: Expedite the processing and publication of stool sample results to guide interventions.
Publicly Declare the Cause: Clearly state the actual cause of the outbreak to ensure appropriate response measures are implemented.
Deploy Adequate Resources: Provide sufficient medical supplies and personnel to affected areas immediately.
Address Root Causes: Improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in Nembe LGA and other vulnerable areas.
“The ongoing health crisis highlights systemic gaps in the state’s public health and water infrastructure. Failure to address these issues effectively endangers lives and undermines public confidence in governance. We urge the government to act swiftly and decisively to protect the health and well-being of its citizens.”
