The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has raised alarms over reports indicating a significant number of child fatalities linked to suspected diphtheria cases in the state. In a statement released by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, Dan’iya urged the state government to provide clarity on the situation, particularly concerning the alarming figure of over 50 children reportedly dead due to complications from the disease.

Dan’iya emphasized the necessity for health authorities to verify these figures before they are accepted as confirmed deaths. He stated, "The figure of over 50 deaths circulating in public discussion must be urgently verified by the appropriate health authorities." He highlighted the importance of families receiving accurate information regarding suspected and confirmed cases, as well as details about deaths, recoveries, and ongoing treatments.

The ADC candidate's concerns follow distressing accounts from residents in various communities, including Kwalkwalawa and Rikina, where suspected diphtheria cases have emerged. A resident from Kwalkwalawa recounted the tragic loss of his six-year-old son, who exhibited symptoms associated with the disease. Despite rushing him to a hospital, the family was informed that adequate medical care was unavailable, leading them to seek traditional remedies in a desperate attempt to save the child.

Reports from Rikina village also indicate at least two child fatalities attributed to similar symptoms. Dr. Bello, a local medical practitioner, expressed his worries regarding the rising number of suspected cases and called for immediate action from health authorities to address the situation.

In light of these developments, Dan’iya urged the Sokoto State Ministry of Health to collaborate with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as other relevant agencies, to enhance disease surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts. He also called for the establishment of adequately equipped isolation and treatment centers, along with sufficient medical personnel and resources.

Furthermore, Dan’iya stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to inform communities about the symptoms of diphtheria, advocating for the use of local media, schools, and community leaders to disseminate vital information. He remarked, "Parents should not be left to depend on rumours or traditional remedies when dealing with symptoms that may require urgent medical intervention."

The ADC candidate also called for regular updates on the situation, including reports on suspected and confirmed cases, deaths, and vaccination coverage. He stated, "Every suspected death deserves proper investigation, and every preventable infection deserves an urgent response."

Efforts to obtain comments from the Sokoto State Ministry of Health were unsuccessful. The Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Sifawa, referred inquiries to the ministry's Director of Disease Control, who was unavailable for comment at the time.

Dan’iya expressed his condolences to families affected by the suspected diphtheria outbreak and urged the government to take swift action to prevent further spread of the disease. He concluded, "The protection of children must remain above politics."