Ebonyi LGA Chairman Bans Ceremonies Amid Cholera Outbreak

The Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Mr. Steven Nwankpa, has imposed a ban on all forms of ceremonies within the area following a recent cholera outbreak.

The outbreak has claimed the lives of 11 people in Ndibokote, Ezzainyimegu community.

This announcement follows a statement from the Ebonyi State government on Thursday, where the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, confirmed the fatalities.

Nwankpa, while commending health workers for their swift response, expressed shock over the incident and urged residents to suspend burials and mass gatherings until further notice to curb the spread of the disease.

“We must take every precaution necessary to prevent further loss of lives. I urge all residents to suspend any planned ceremonies, especially burials, until we get control of the situation,” Nwankpa said.

A local stakeholder, Elder Stephen Nwamkpuma, linked the outbreak to contaminated beef brought from a burial ceremony in Benue State.

According to Nwamkpuma, some community members who consumed the meat began vomiting shortly afterward, which led to the spread of cholera.

The village head, Chief Lazarus Iziogo, applauded the Ebonyi State government for its quick intervention but called for long-term solutions to the community’s water crisis.

“Despite this outbreak, we have been relying on pond and stream water. We appeal to the government to build motorized boreholes to prevent future health hazards,” Iziogo stated.

Health authorities are continuing their efforts to contain the outbreak, with measures being put in place to educate residents about hygiene and access to clean water.