34 hospitalised as heavy metal poisoning spreads in Sokoto

At least 34 residents of Sokoto are currently receiving treatment at a specialist hospital following an outbreak of heavy metal poisoning in the state.

Reports indicate that the affected individuals, primarily farmers from Tureta Local Government Area, have been hospitalised for over a week.

Assuring residents of ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak, the state government confirmed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been alerted and is actively involved in the response.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Wurno, revealed that additional cases had been reported across multiple local government areas. Some patients are also receiving palliative treatment at general hospitals.

“A high-level stakeholders’ meeting has been convened to strategise on effective case management and containment. All principal health officers are on high alert, and necessary medical supplies are being dispatched to affected areas,” Wurno stated.

The exact cause of the poisoning remains under investigation. While previous studies suggest contamination from heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, the NCDC and Africa CDC are conducting further research to confirm the primary source. Samples collected two weeks ago are currently being analysed.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has directed that treatment and feeding for affected patients continue while awaiting scientific confirmation of the cause.

Amid speculation linking the outbreak to illegal mining activities, Wurno stressed that regulatory measures would only be introduced once conclusive evidence is obtained.

“We must base our actions on scientific findings rather than speculation,” he added.