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From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Benue State has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of two medical doctors within days, one from Lassa fever and another from bone marrow failure; incidents that have raised renewed public health concern in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the deaths yesterday while briefing journalists in Makurdi, describing the situation as tragic but medically instructive for the ongoing disease surveillance efforts.
According to him, a senior medical doctor working with APIN Foundation in Konshisha Local Government Area died after contracting Lassa fever. The deceased, who hailed from Kwande Local Government Area was buried on Saturday, June 20.
Dr. Ogwuche said the late doctor had battled the illness for over two weeks, initially managing his condition at home and later at a private health facility before his condition worsened.
“There is a fresh case of Lassa fever in the state. One doctor has died. The victim was buried on Saturday, 20th June, 2026,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the situation escalated after the patient’s condition failed to improve, prompting a friend to suggest a possible Lassa fever infection, which was later confirmed through preliminary testing.
According to him, the deceased was eventually referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for further evaluation after initial management attempts, but later developed kidney complications that necessitated referral to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where he eventually died.
“He actually died in Jos, and the corpse was brought from JUTH and buried on Saturday,” Ogwuche added.
The commissioner noted that while Benue State was on the verge of declaring the outbreak under control, the new case has prompted a fresh response, including intensified surveillance, community sensitisation and renewed public health campaigns.
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He said health authorities had activated contact tracing mechanisms and strengthened awareness campaigns across communities to prevent further spread of the disease.
He also disclosed that the state government is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which has continued to provide updates and guidance on disease response, particularly amid broader alerts on infectious disease outbreaks.
He added that government efforts include engagement with religious leaders, traditional rulers and the media to strengthen public enlightenment on disease prevention.
“We have checked all our facilities, heightened our surveillance, and embarked on case and contact tracing. We are also engaging religious leaders, traditional rulers and the media to deepen sensitisation,” he said.
In a related development, the medical community in Benue is also mourning the death of Dr. Cedric Kondom, a young medical graduate, who died on June 18, from bone marrow failure.
Dr. Kondom had recently completed his medical studies and was awaiting induction into the medical profession when his death occurred, just days before his official entry into practice.
In a tribute, the Benue Medical and Dental Students’ Association (BEMSA-National) described him as a dedicated, resilient and hardworking young professional whose promising career was cut short at a critical stage.
“With deep sadness and a profound sense of loss, we mourn the passing of our beloved brother and colleague, Dr. Kondom Cedric, who passed away on Thursday, 18th June, 2026,” the association said.
The twin tragedies have deepened concern within the state’s medical and public health community, with stakeholders calling for stronger preventive measures, improved early detection systems and enhanced healthcare support for frontline workers.
