14 dead in Agatu as strange disease hits Idoma community   

A strange disease believed to be cholera has killed no fewer than 10 people in Agatu area of Benue State.

It was gathered that in Obagaji, headquarters of Agatu, seven people were confirmed dead.

This is contrary to some reports that only three persons died of the disease.

Confirming the development, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Joseph Ngbea, said the outbreak and deaths in the area were detected a few days ago by his ministry.

He said: “Yes, it is true. I personally visited the two places on Monday. Over 20 persons were treated in Agatu and more than 25 treated in Abinsi. Three children died of the disease in Abinsi and seven in Agatu. During the visit, we also provided medical consumables to the general hospital at Obagaji, in response to the disease.”

Ngbea said they presented items such as Ringer Lactate, IV cannula, adhesive plaster, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), water guard, syringes, cotton wool and drugs.