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NMA Urges Cross River To Bolster Mpox Surveillance

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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Cross River State Government to urgently enhance its surveillance systems against Mpox, warning that the state is particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Speaking in an interview in Calabar, Dr Ukam Edadi, Public Relations Officer of the Cross River chapter of the NMA, highlighted the state’s heightened risk due to several factors. These include its status as a major tourist destination with vast forest reserves, such as the Gorilla Sanctuary, where frequent human-wildlife interaction occurs.
The Mpox virus, initially detected in Central Africa, has spread to several West African countries, including Nigeria, which has reported 39 confirmed cases. Cross River’s geographical proximity to Cameroon and other Central African nations where the outbreak originated further increases the state’s vulnerability. Edadi noted that areas such as Boki, Ikom, and Bakassi share borders with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, making them particularly susceptible to the virus.
Given these concerns, the NMA is urging the state to ramp up its surveillance, especially in border communities, and to launch intensive public awareness campaigns. Edadi warned that the lack of public knowledge about Mpox in Cross River could exacerbate the situation if an outbreak occurs. He also stressed that neighbouring states have already reported Mpox cases, adding to the urgency.
Reflecting on past public health efforts, Edadi praised the state’s robust response during the 2014 Ebola outbreak but cautioned against complacency. He expressed concern over the current state of isolation facilities, noting that the primary isolation centre was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. This leaves only a facility at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), which can accommodate just 50 patients.
Edadi also emphasised the need for increased vigilance in areas such as abattoirs, roads where animals are transported, and bush meat markets, which could serve as hotspots for the virus. “We must intensify our surveillance in these areas to prevent potential outbreaks,” he urged.
However, Cross River State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, downplayed concerns about an Mpox outbreak, describing recent reports from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as inaccurate. He reassured the public that there is currently no evidence of Mpox, cholera, or Lassa fever in the state. Dr Ayuk clarified that the NCDC’s update was based on a previous Mpox case in the state, not a current threat.

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
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C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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