The Kano State House of Assembly has called on Governor Abba Yusuf to urgently intervene in a diphtheria outbreak that has reportedly killed more than 50 children in Rano Local Government Area.
The resolution was adopted during Tuesday’s plenary after lawmakers considered a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Ibrahim Muhammad, representing Rano constituency.
Outbreak Spreads Across Communities
Muhammad said the outbreak was particularly severe in Ridin and Sabuwar Kaura communities, where more than 50 children had reportedly died.
He said some emergency measures, including the provision of medicines and deployment of health workers, had already been taken but warned that additional support was needed to contain the disease.
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The lawmaker urged the state government to provide immediate assistance to affected communities, recalling that a previous diphtheria outbreak in the area in 2025 also resulted in several deaths.
Usman Tasiu, representing Kiru constituency, said the disease had spread beyond Rano to communities in Kiru, including Kwarin Dangora, Dangora town and Yelwa.
Tasiu disclosed that an APC youth leader in Kiru town lost two children to the disease within a single day.
Lawmakers Demand Emergency Committee
The lawmaker called for the establishment of an emergency committee to coordinate efforts to contain the outbreak across affected local government areas.
He listed Rano, Tudun Wada, Kibiya, Bunkure, Bebeji and Kiru among the areas requiring urgent attention.
Another lawmaker, Saleh Ahmad, representing Dawakin Tofa, urged the government to intensify vaccination and other preventive measures.
He warned that diphtheria is contagious and could spread quickly to neighbouring communities if not controlled.
Assembly Seeks Activation of Health Protection Law
The Majority Leader, Lawan Husseini, called on the state government to activate the state’s health protection law to address the outbreak.
He said the law provides for emergency relief, free healthcare and measures to isolate affected persons and restrict movement in communities hit by infectious diseases.
The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.