NGO-(BANGOF) Decries Health Crisis Of Cholera Outbreak In Nembe LGA- Calls For Urgent Action

Bayelsa State Non-Governmental Organizations Forum (BANGOF) wishes to draw public attention to an ongoing health crisis in Nembe Local Government Area (LGA). Following a field assessment conducted on January 14, 2025, it is evident that a suspected cholera outbreak has claimed lives and continues to threaten public health in several communities within the LGA and other LGAs in the State.
Key Findings:
The outbreak, which first case was reported on December 10, 2024, has resulted in 15 deaths in Ogbolomabiri, Bassambiri, Nembe Creek, and surrounding communities, with numerous individuals still undergoing treatment in almost overwhelmed healthcare facilities.
Despite early reporting of the situation by health authorities and swift responses by the Ministry of Health response team, the responses have been inadequate. Various tranches of supplies of essential drugs have been sent to affected areas but have been grossly insufficient.
The stool sample collected for culturing—critical for confirmation of the exact cause of the outbreak—remains incomplete 168 hours (7 days) after collection, far exceeding the 72-hour (3 days) standard timeline.
Clinical evidence from health workers strongly suggests cholera, yet the Commissioner of Health have downplayed the outbreak, describing it as a gastroenteritis or some form of a diarrheal disease.
Government’s Position:
We commend the emergency response team of the State Ministry of Health for swiftly responding to the early warning from the health team in Nembe within 48hrs of the initial report with medical supplies. However, these supplies were grossly inadequate to support all the facilities.

We acknowledge the Ministry of Information’s recent commencement of public awareness campaigns addressing the prevalence of cholera in Bayelsa State. However, these announcements lack specificity about the affected areas, leaving communities in distress without clear guidance or targeted interventions.

We also commend the Commissioner for health for taking time out to visit the community to see things for himself and also providing more medical supplies.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Health, during a radio discussion program on January 16, 2025, stated that no deaths have been recorded due to the outbreak and refrained from confirming the exact cause the outbreak, but attributing the situation to some form of diarrheal diseases. This statement contradicts information gathered from healthcare facilities and testimonies from community members, which unequivocally confirm fatalities and the presence of cholera-like symptoms. We urge the Commissioner to launch further investigation into the issue of fatalities in the various health facilities in Nembe.
Urgent Call to Action:
BANGOF emphasizes 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.
Acknowledge the Outbreak: Publicly declare the actual cause of the outbreak to galvanize appropriate response measures.
Enhance Emergency Response: Deploy adequate resources, including medical supplies and personnel, to affected areas immediately.
Public Enlightenment: There is urgent need to engage in collaborative massive public awareness campaigns and community education about first aid actions in the event of locations far from the health facilities
Invest in Water and Sanitation Infrastructure: Address the root causes of the outbreak by improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in Nembe LGA and other vulnerable areas.
BANGOF’s Position:
The ongoing health crisis highlights systemic gaps in the state’s public health and water infrastructure. Failure to address these issues effectively jeopardizes 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.
For further information or collaboration on addressing this crisis, please contact:
Taritein Boco Inatimi Odio
Chairman, BANGOF Secretary

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