By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The death toll from cerebrospinal meningitis in Nigeria has risen to 156, up from the previous 74, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latest data, released by the NCDC yesterday, covering week 40 of 2024 to week 12 of 2025, shows that 126 confirmed cases have been recorded out of 1,858 suspected cases across 23 states and 121 local government areas.

The national case fatality rate stands at 8.

The 23 affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Ebonyi, Ekiti, FCT, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Yobe.

The states that recorded deaths are Kebbi (67); Sokoto (33); Katsina (16); Jigawa (six); Yobe (11); Bauchi (six); Gombe (nine); Borno (one); Kano (five); Adamawa (one); and Oyo (one).

The report from NCDC noted that as of March 23, 2025, “A total of 1,826 suspected cases with 151 deaths (CFR 8.3 per cent) have been reported from 23 states in the current season. A total of 289 samples were collected from some of the reported suspected cases since the beginning of the season, with 126 confirmed (44 per cent positivity rate) NmC accounts for 27 per cent, NmW 13.5 per cent, Spn 2.1 per centand NmX 0.7 per centand Hib 0.3 per cent each of the confirmed cases. Age group 5 -14 years remains most affected group. 60 per cent of the total suspected cases are Male.

“Ninety-four per cent of all suspected cases are being reported from 10 states – Kebbi (881), Katsina (158), Jigawa (147), Yobe (109), Gombe (47), Sokoto (303), Borno (36), Adamawa (27), Oyo (23) and Bauchi (66).

“Seventeen LGAs across nine states reported more than ten suspected cases in the current CSM season. Gwandu (313), Tambuwal (155), Aleiro (143), Katsina (69), Kankia (54), Sule-Tankarkar (29), Jega (61), Fune (28), Maiduguri (29), Jahun (15), Birnin kudu (13), Nafada (13), Nguru (53), Bauch (25), Gamawa (20), Taura (14), Sule-Tankarkar (30), Birnin kudu (13), Nafada (13) and Yola South (13).”

The public health institute noted that its multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre is coordinating response activities in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and development partners.

It highlighted inadequate trained personnel in states for case management (i.e., LP procedures), lack of CSM commodities some facilities, poor and inconsistent reporting from states, poor data quality, lack of active case search at secondary and tertiary facilities, late/non-reporting from communities up to the states/national levels, poor health seeking behaviour, and personal and community hygiene promotion as the challenges in tackling the outbreak.

It, however, restated commitment to maintaining communication with and support to states for data reporting and response, continuing advocacy to state governments to fund CSM Incident Action Plan for ownership and sustainability, continue distributing response commodities across states, building capacity for sample collection, transportation, laboratory diagnosis and data management, and scaling up risk communications.

Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a devastating disease and remains a major public health challenge.

The disease can be caused by many different pathogens, including bacteria, fungi or viruses, but the highest global burden is seen with bacterial meningitis, according to the World Health Organisation.

WHO said there are four main causes of acute bacterial meningitis: meningococcus, pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B streptococcus (GBS). Meningococcus has the most potential to produce outbreaks and large-scale epidemics. The largest burden of meningococcal meningitis occurs in the meningitis belt, an area of sub-Saharan Africa which stretches from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east.

Meningococcal meningitis – an infection of the meninges, the thin lining that surrounds the brain and spinal cord – is most prevalent in Africa’s ‘meningitis belt’, which stretches across 26 countries in Africa – from Senegal in the West to Ethiopia in the East – with an at-risk population of about 500 million. Those at highest risk of infection are infants, children and young adults.

One in four survivors suffers permanent disabilities such as hearing loss, seizures, limb weakness, difficulties with vision, speech, language, memory and communication, as well as scarring and limb amputations.

Seasonal outbreaks are common during the dry season, which runs from December to June, peaking between March and April when low humidity and high dust levels prevail.

On Friday, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare received over 1,000,000 pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Men5CV) doses from the Gavi-funded global stockpile this week to combat the meningococcus C and W outbreak in northern Nigeria.

In 2024, Nigeria was the first country in the world to roll out Men5CV, recommended by WHO, which protects people against five strains of the meningococcus bacteria.

The vaccine has the potential to reduce meningitis cases and advance progress in defeating meningitis.

From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Irigwe Development Association (IDA) an umbrella body of the Irigwe speaking nationalities in Plateau state has called for justice in the face of unwarranted attacks that has claimed 1,107 lives leaving their respective communities under siege in the last 25 years.

They disclosed that a total of 2,866 incidents of attacks were carried out on their communities with 1,107 deaths recorded, 412 injuries, two rapes, 20,836 rooms destroyed as well as 742 barns and 27,330 farms were recorded from 2001 to March 2025.

The cultural organisation further disclosed that this year alone, from January 1 to March 28, 2025, a total of 58 incidents took place with 8 deaths, 8 injuries and more than 50 farm destructions were recorded.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the President of IDA, Rev. Dr. Daniel Gya, the General Secretary, Amb. Danjuma Auta and the Public Relations Officer, Samuel Jugo David on the ongoing killings in the locality at weekend in Jos, the state capital.

They explained thus; “In the beginning, these attacks where in the form of ambushes, destructions of farm crops, rape of women and girls on their way to farms or in search of firewood in the wild. It metamorphosed into attacks with firearms. Beginning from January 2025, all the killings to date were largely by ambushes on unsuspecting passersby.”

According to them, a research conducted by Barrie, from 2001 to March 2025 has indicated that “A total of 2,866 incidents, 1,107 deaths, 412 injuries, 2 rapes, 20,836 rooms destroyed, 742 barns and 27,330 farms were recorded. Most of the victims are languishing in abject poverty, unable to fend for their families at the time of this report,” the sociocultural organization hinted

The traditional council of Rigwe land and the Irigwe Development Association (IDA) further appealed to relevant authorities to come to their aid to prevent the Rigwe nation from extinction and its source of livelihood totally obliterated by its enemies.

“The Rigwe nation is law-abiding and believes in the peaceful coexistence of all nations, tribes, creeds, and religions, and pleads with all stakeholders in the peace process to come together and ensure this carnage comes to an end.

“This is not the first time we are making this form of appeal and raising concerns over the continuous carnage on our land. We have continued to lose our loved ones in guerilla style attacks by assailants whom many have been afraid to name. While most of the victims are languishing in abject poverty, unable to fend for their families,” they lamented.

They further expressed concerns over the setbacks recorded after the signing of a peace pack by both the natives and the Fulani herders over the years, the situation still remained a matter of great concern.

“This milestone achievement led to the formation of the 17-Man Peace Implementation Committee for Irigwe Chiefdom in May 2024 by the erstwhile GOC 3 Division/ Commander, Operation Safe Haven, Maj. Gen. AE Abubakar and with the responsibility of implementing the 17-point agreement hitherto signed.

“Despite these efforts by concerned stakeholders, sporadic and intermittent skirmishes have continued to be recorded. Beginning from the 1st January to the 28th March 2025, a total of 58 incidents, 8 deaths, 8 injuries, and more than 50 farm destructions were recorded, as compiled by Gastor Barrie.”

They however expressed gratitude to the Plateau state government and Governor Caleb Mutfwang who is deeply disturbed by the state of insecurity in the land visited Irigwe Chiefdom on the January 27 this year on an assessment tour and promised to establish a Mobile Police Barracks at Zashi, Kwall, to further bolster ongoing efforts at lasting peace in the area and Plateau State at large.

“To think that these attacks and killings have continued despite a peace pact and ongoing efforts by the peace committee is most worrisome as it makes rubbish the wisdom of all the stakeholders that brokered these avenues”, the leaders stated.

The Irigwe Development Association appealed to the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, to establish a Nigeria Police Force Division in Miango to help stem the tide of insecurity in the land.

Mutfwang Vows to Prosecute Bokkos Attackers

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has reassured the people of Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of the commitment of his administration to justice and security of the entire state following the recent attacks in the council area of the state.

Mutfwang extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift response and firm commitment to restoring peace in the state as well as commended the President for directing federal agencies to deliver relief materials to victims of the Bokkos attacks.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere on Sunday disclosed this to Newsmen adding that the governor made the declaration while addressing Plateau State indigenes residing in Abuja at weekend where he shared his pain on the recent happenings in Bokkos LGA as he explored best security approaches in ending the menace.

“We will no longer allow those arrested for crimes in our communities to walk free. I will pursue, and ensure the prosecution of all those hands is stained with the blood of our people. They will face the full wrath of the law.

“I want to assure you that the lives lost in Bokkos will not be in vain. Some advised that we cancel this meeting due to the tragic circumstances, but after wide consultations with our leaders both at home and in the diaspora, we decided to forge ahead.

“We cannot let those behind these heinous acts think they have broken our spirit. Yes, we are mourning, but by the grace of God, we are not defeated.

“Since the December 2023 attacks, we have begun reclaiming our identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism. For over a year, we recorded no major incident, but these attacks are clearly orchestrated, deliberate attempts to impoverish and intimidate our people at the start of every farming season.

“Let it be known; we will farm this year. No amount of intimidation will stop us. I appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and support from Nigerians across the country.

“I’ve had deep consultations with security chiefs and I want to assure the people of Plateau State that everything possible will be done to protect lives and property.” the governor assured the affected communities and the entire state.

Mutfwang further disclosed that some masterminds of the attacks have already been apprehended, stressing that the era of arrest without prosecution is over.

“As your Governor, I make this solemn promise; anyone involved in spilling the blood of a Plateau citizen will be pursued and brought to justice. None of them will go scot-free,” Mutfwang emphasized.

By David Torough, Abuja

The petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has failed to meet the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made this announcement yesterday via its official X handle.

The statement was signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the commission said.

In a detailed breakdown, INEC revealed that the petitioners failed to gather the requisite number of signatures/thumbprints, which must represent more than one-half of the registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

“For emphasis, a petition for the recall of a Senator must comply with the provision of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which requires the signatures of more than one-half of the registered voters in the constituency.

“The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e. 50%+1) is 237,277+1 which is at least 237,278 voters,” INEC said.

The total number of registered voters in the district is 474,554, meaning that at least 237,278 signatures were needed.

However, only 208,132 signatures were collected, falling short by 29,146.

“Across the 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas and five Local Government Areas that make up the Senatorial District, the commission ascertained 208,132 signatures/thumbprints from the submission made by the petitioners.

“This translates to 43.86% of the registered voters which falls short of the constitutional requirement by 29,146 signatories.

“Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator,” INEC declared.

In line with the legal requirements, INEC also issued a Public Notice regarding the outcome of the review.

In recent weeks, Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have been at the centre of a political crisis following her accusation of sexual harassment against him.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the Senate over the alleged misconduct, but on March 6, the Ethics Committee dismissed her claims and suspended her for six months without pay.

The controversy escalated last week when some of her constituents submitted a recall petition to INEC, seeking to remove her from office.

Natasha Hails INEC, Mocks Detractors

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan yesterday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for rejecting the process by some groups and individuals to recall her from the Senate.

The Senator thanked the Nigerian electoral umpire for upholding justice constitutionally and refusing to bow to pressures from what she termed ‘undemocratic elements in Kogi and the Senate.

Her statement came a few hours after INEC had declared that the recall petition failed to meet the requirement of the Constitution and, therefore, can no longer be processed.

In a statement by her media team on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan praised INEC for rejecting what she called a ‘fake process’ by sponsored groups and individuals to recall her from the Senate.

While thanking the electoral umpire for upholding justice and constitutionality, she mocked ex-Governor Yahaya Bello àgain and others for attempting to break her willpower.

She said, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall from the Senate, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC, former governor Yahaya Bello. All along, I did not exercise any fear because I have a God that never fails, and I have people on my side.

“The decision to reject the recall process is a justice against injustice. INEC has proven to be truly independent, and history will never forget this justice. I commend the umpire for shaming the shameless agents of darkness and setting the record straight according to the laws of our land.

“To God be the glory, we have defeated them again. This development is another record-breaking against those who prefer coming from the backyard, the manipulators, election riggers, the violent merchants and their allies in Kogi Central and beyond. Bear in mind that your days are numbered in politics. I am out to bring justice to the oppressed and to ensure Nigeria is great again.”