12 Benue LGs Risk Wild Polio Outbreak

Not less than twelve local government areas in Benue state stand risk of wild polio outbreak.

This was revealed by Dr Joseph Kumba, Benue State Chairman Immunization Team, during a courtesy call on the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Elizabeth Allagh.

He decried that the high number of children were not immunized during the recently concluded house to house immunization exercise due to ignorance on the part of their parents.

The affected local councils include: Ado, Vandeikya, Gwer-East, Makurdi, Ukum, Logo, Guma, Kwande, Buruku, Oju, Ohimini and Katsina-Ala.

He consequently called for cooperation with the ministry in mobilising mothers in the state to present their children and wards for immunization.

Mrs. Allagh represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Judith Hirnyam commended the team for ensuring that Benue remains a polio free state and assured of the ministry’s support in that regard.

She pleaded with mothers to make their children available for polio immunization and other child killer diseases so as to reduce child mortality.

By Ubong George/Markurdi