Mystery Illness Claims Five Lives at Kebbi University: Authorities Seek Urgent Action
The Registrar of the University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Maimaru Alhaji Tilli, has confirmed the deaths of four students from an undiagnosed illness, sparking fears of an outbreak within the institution.
Reports indicate that another student also passed away, raising the death toll to five.
Concerned about student safety, the university has proposed decongesting student accommodations to mitigate further spread.
The Registrar revealed that an official request had been sent to the Kebbi State Ministry for Higher Education, urging Commissioner Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga to approve the closure of the institution. However, no response has been received.
“We are unaware of the exact nature of the disease, but we have formally requested the university’s closure to prevent more fatalities,” Tilli stated.
Speaking anonymously, students told Radio Nigeria that four of their peers mysteriously died last week, while another succumbed to a sudden illness overnight.
Adding to the growing concern, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently visited the university, holding an awareness campaign on the dangers of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM). However, no official confirmation has linked the deaths to meningitis.
“The university community was not informed if the students who died before the WHO campaign were victims of meningitis,” a student noted.
Amid rising fear, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) has also formally petitioned university authorities, calling for immediate closure due to the unexplained fatalities.
Kebbi State is currently experiencing a surge in Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) cases, with reports indicating that over 26 deaths have occurred across four local government areas, with 248 people affected. The extreme heat in the region has been linked to the rapid spread of the disease.
Health experts warn that immediate intervention is needed to curb further infections. Students and residents are urged to adhere to preventive measures, including avoiding overcrowded spaces and seeking medical attention for any symptoms associated with meningitis.
Authorities are expected to respond swiftly as pressure mounts for urgent health and safety measures at the university.
