Bayelsa Cholera death toll rises, Civil groups call for action

FEMI FOLANRAMI FROM THE SUN

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.