By Angela Atabo
The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), has expressed worry over the outbreak of heavy metal poisoning in Gaidan community of Sokoto state and called for urgent action to address the menace.
Dr. Arome Salifu, Executive Director of AYGF,in a statement, said an independent research carried out by AYGF revealed the prevalence of metal poisoning in Sokoto which is spreading like a wild bushfire.
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According to Salifu ,the metal poisoning is resurfacing 10 years after the lead poisoning incidence in Zamfara that affected many people especially children.
He said AYGF therefore, went to the Gaidan community, primarily composed of farmers and a few business-oriented individuals, for an outreach and they were warmly welcomed .
“During an outreach in the Gaidan settlement in the Gidan Katta ward of Illela LGA, Sokoto State, heavy metal poisoning was discovered.
“The outreach extended to community leaders, educational institutions, and the local health facility was aimed at understanding and mitigating the impact of the poisoning.
“AYGF condemns in strong terms the outbreak of heavy metal poisoning in Sokoto state,” he said
Salifu recalled that more than 10 years ago, there was a major public outcry and concerns about the prevalence of lead poison in some communities of Zamfara state .
He said the effects had far-reaching consequences on the lives of many rural dwellers.
“Consequently, some appreciable measures were jointly taken at that time by various tiers of government and international donor agencies following endless calls for immediate affirmative action from a Coalition of Concerned Bodies and NGOs.
“But as usual with most catastrophes and issues of public concern in Nigeria, that initial action plan soon fizzled out while the problem and challenge remained if not even escalating with increasing Victims Population over the years.”
Salifu said that the Community Head of Gaidan ,Mr Gaidau Hayatu, told AYGF that the issue began about four months ago.
He quoted Hayatu as saying ,”children were developing symptoms such as fever, abdominal swelling, vomiting, and headaches. ”
The District head of Sabon Gari Gaidan, Mal. Mamman Musa,also highlighted the severe impact of the poisoning to include significant loss of life both in children and adults.
He mentioned that the community was not familiar with such incidents, which seem concentrated in certain areas.
Also ,Mr Muhammad Jadi, the district head of the Jadi Area, said that the disease appeared suddenly and is not linked to their regular diet or consumables.
At Gaidau Model Primary School, the AYGF team met with Mr Ango Nomau, Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, and Mr Resident Joram who discussed the symptoms observed in the children,.
They suspected contamination of water from an ancient local well used during the dry season.
The principal Government Junior Secondary School,Gaidau , Mr Mustapha Malam Barau, and his deputy, Mr Ibrahim Aliyu, said that many students have been affected and promptly isolated and taken to the health post for medical intervention.
Residents who shared their experiences said that many of them were struggling to access medical care due to financial constraints.
Mr Babangida Umar, the in-charge of the Gaidau Health Post visited by AYGF,said that ,”the health facility is experiencing a surge in patients with similar symptoms, who were subsequently referred to General Hospital Illela.
” Initial suspicions of hepatitis were ruled out, and blood tests revealed high levels of lead, cobalt, cadmium, and chromium. Some local foodstuffs, including tomatoes, also tested high for lead,”he said
To unravel the situation, AYGF went further to identify several critical infrastructure deficiencies contributing to the health crisis.
These included :water supply ,sanitation,electricity,among others.
It was revealed that the community lacked reliable and clean water, relying on potentially contaminated local wells.
More so, there is sanitation crisis because of the widespread open defecation, with no public toilets, even in schools, compromising hygiene.
The absence of electricity affects food preservation and overall hygiene, exacerbating health risks.
It is based on this that AYGF is calling out and raising a renewed campaign for an urgent national action primarily to stamp out this challenge, increase access to health care services, and get help for the dozens of victims suffering.
“AYGF remains committed to working with the Gaidan community, relevant authorities, and partners to address these challenges, improve living conditions, and prevent further health crises.” NAN
