Panic has gripped residents of Mbutu Community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State following the outbreak of a strange illness that has claimed the lives of at least six children, aged between one and six years. The tragic incident has thrown families and the wider community into mourning and fear, as more suspected cases are being reported.
The Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Barrister Henry Alaribe, confirmed the development in a press statement on Tuesday, signed by his media aide, Mr. Dike Godspower. According to the statement, the council has already begun emergency measures to stop the spread of the unidentified disease.
As a result of the outbreak, all schools in the community have been shut down temporarily, and the Children’s Day celebration scheduled for May 27 has been suspended for the safety of the children. “This is a very painful decision but necessary to prevent more deaths,” the council boss said.
Barrister Alaribe further advised parents who have not vaccinated their children to do so immediately. “Vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to protect our children. We urge all parents to take this seriously,” he said.
Speaking on further measures taken, the council chairman disclosed that the names, ages, and parents’ contacts of the deceased have been submitted to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for immediate action. “We are working closely with the state government to ensure that every child in Mbutu and surrounding areas is safe,” he added.
Alaribe also revealed that some health centres within the community have now been converted into temporary isolation centres to manage and monitor suspected cases. He confirmed that officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control have already arrived in the community to begin investigation and emergency response.
“Just this morning, we were informed of another possible death, although yet to be confirmed. We are not resting. All hands are on deck to stop this before it becomes worse,” he told reporters.
Health workers from the Aboh Mbaise Primary Health Care Department are also involved in the emergency response effort. They are collaborating with WHO to determine the nature of the illness, which has so far shown no clear symptoms but has spread rapidly among children.
To prevent any further spread, children from Mbutu have been officially barred from participating in the annual Children’s Day parade. This move, according to the council boss, is to protect lives and prevent further heartbreak.
Meanwhile, the outbreak has sparked widespread fear and anxiety. Some parents are reportedly relocating their children and wards from the area to nearby communities in a bid to safeguard them.
A resident, Mrs. Ngozi Oguike, whose home is a few streets away from one of the affected compounds, expressed deep concern. “We have never seen something like this before. One moment, the children are playing, and the next, they are sick and gone. We are very scared,” she said.
Another parent, Mr. Chukwudi Anyanwu, called on the government to fast-track the investigation and provide clear information about the disease. “We need answers and urgent intervention. This is not the time for silence,” he said.
While the identity and cause of the disease remain unknown, medical experts on the ground are collecting samples and monitoring symptoms to identify the nature of the illness. The Imo State Government is expected to issue an official health advisory once preliminary results are available.
As the Mbutu community battles this sudden health crisis, residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate fully with health officials. The local government has promised continuous updates and pledged not to relent until the disease is contained and every child is safe.
