Headlines
Kano confirms Lassa fever outbreak, places 292 persons on watch list
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano state government has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, saying it has placed a total of 292 persons who appear to show active symptoms of the deadly virus.
Addressing a news conference on Wednesday, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa also confirmed the death of two medical doctors at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and a pregnant woman as a result of the Lassa fever.
He said 292 contacts have so far been lined-listed and are currently being followed as required by the guidelines of managing epidemic diseases.
Mr Tsanyawa added that the state Ministry of Health was officially notified by a reference laboratory in Abuja that two of the suspected Lassa fever cases have been confirmed positive.
Tsanyawa said the index case was a 28-year old pregnant woman from Gwale local government area who became sick two weeks after the death of her mother, who was referred from a private hospital to AKTH.
“We also got another response from one of our disease control unit of Tarauni local government, which informed us of three people who were suffering from lassa fever.
“After sending the samples to Abuja for confirmation, two out of the three patients were diagnosed positive of Lassa fever and have passed away, while the third patient is at Yar-gaya hospital receiving treatment,” he explained.
He said following the report, the Kano state government swung into action so as to expeditiously curtail the spread of the viral disease.
The commissioner explained that part of the measures being taken to curtail the spread of the disease include re-activation of the state’s Isolation Center at Yar-gaya town in Dawakin Kudu local government area of the state.
In addition, he said the government has also “activated a rapid response team (RRT), conducted state emergency preparedness and response committee meetings as well as preparations of drugs and other consumables.”
Dr Tsanyawa said government has planned to further intensify surveillance on Lassa fever thorough engagement of traditional and religious institutions, production and airing jingles and sensitization of health personnel.
He assured citizens of the state and all stakeholders that the government is ready to partner with all persons, groups and organizations in its determination toward providing qualitative healthcare services for people of the state.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has announced Saturday, March 1, 2026, as the commencement date for the Eid-el-Fitr break for all public and private primary and post-primary schools in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the announcement, contained in the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar, applies to both day and boarding schools across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, parents and guardians of pupils and students in boarding schools are expected to convey their wards home by the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2026.
The statement further explained that boarding school students are to resume on Sunday, March 22, 2026, while day students are to resume on Monday, March 23, 2026.
It added that the second term will continue from Sunday, March 22, 2026, and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The government directed all public and private schools in the state to comply strictly with the directive, warning that non-compliance would be treated as a breach of government instructions.
The Commissioner for Education, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, urged parents and guardians to ensure full compliance with the approved resumption dates.
He appreciated parents and residents of the state for their continued cooperation and support to the ministry, and wished pupils and students a successful completion of the Ramadan fast and hitch-free Sallah celebrations.
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