Deaths Recorded As Cholera Breaks Out At Surrendered Boko Haram Camp
Cholera, a common disease associated with poor hygiene and prevalent during the rainy season, has hit a crowded camp for Boko Haram defectors.
Several deaths have been recorded in the last two days as a cholera outbreak hit one of the camps where persons associated with Boko Haram are being kept in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno in northeast Nigeria.
According to the state Commissioner for women affairs and social development, Zuwaira Gambo, health personnel have confirmed the loss of two lives to the disease.
Earlier information obtained from sources working at one of the rehabilitation camps known as Shokari Camp had said that upto 20 lives had been lost between Friday and Saturday.
However, the Commissioner insisted that “only two persons died.” Stating that the figures being quoted on the matter were “unfounded”.
“I don’t know where this figure is coming from, but I can assure you that what we have was only two deaths,” she said.
She also disclosed that Officials from the state ministry of health have moved to the facility to fumigate the premises and evacuate others diagnosed with cholera for proper quarantine.
“As we speak, the officials from the health ministry have moved in; everyone is on the ground to ensure that the situation is brought under control,”
The source who spoke to HumAngle on anonymity said that “a total of 14 persons died on Friday, while six more died this morning.”
The source said the cholera outbreak was recorded at Shokari camp, which was recently opened for Boko Haram defectors following the congestion of the main Hajj Camp where individuals that had fled Boko Haram enclave were initially being camped.
The Nigerian military has said that over 70,000 persons, comprising male combatants, children and women, had surrendered to authorities. The military has also complained about running out of space for accommodating and processing them.
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That is my area and there is unease at the camp for the past three days.