Ten children have sadly died after a diphtheria outbreak in Agaie and Bida local government areas of Niger State.

The affected children were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Bida for treatment but later passed away.

Other deaths linked to diphtheria have also been reported in nearby communities since the outbreak started.

Residents are appealing to the state government to quickly send medicines to hospitals in order to stop the disease from spreading to more areas.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Health Care, Dr. Mohammed Gana, confirmed the outbreak.

He added that the state government, together with health partners, is already working to control the situation and provide the needed drugs.