No fewer than 27 persons have lost their lives following a cholera outbreak ravaging several communities in Borno State, with authorities recording about 2,715 suspected cases within the first 24 days of May 2026.
Findings from an epidemiological report obtained by journalists revealed that the outbreak has affected six local government areas, including Jere, Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.
According to the report, Jere recorded 834 suspected infections, while Mafa accounted for 159 cases. Konduga and Monguno reported 95 and 56 cases respectively, while Ngala and Magumeri recorded two and one case.
The Maiduguri Metropolitan Council emerged as the worst-hit area, with 1,568 suspected cases, representing more than half of the infections documented so far.
Health officials described the outbreak as fast spreading, noting that hundreds of fresh suspected cases were recorded within a single day.
Medical personnel also warned that the current figure could rise further as data from some Cholera Treatment Centres and Oral Rehydration Points across the state had yet to be fully compiled.
The disease has reportedly spread to 29 wards and 124 communities, heightening fears among residents and health workers.
Out of the 27 fatalities recorded, 11 reportedly occurred within affected communities, while 16 deaths were recorded in health facilities, raising concerns over delayed access to medical attention and emergency response services.
The report further indicated that the Case Fatality Rate stands at one per cent, meeting the World Health Organisation’s emergency benchmark for urgent intervention.
Some health workers, particularly those working with non-governmental organisations, expressed concern over what they described as delays by the state government in declaring a public health emergency and intensifying public sensitisation campaigns.
When contacted, the Director of Public Health at the Borno State Ministry of Health, Dr Goni Imam Ali, reportedly distanced the ministry from the epidemiological report and declined to make further comments on the development.