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By Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Kano State Centre for Disease Control, (KNCDC) Friday said it found no record of more than 50 diphtheria deaths in Rano LGA of the state.
The Centre’s clarification contradicts claim made by the constituency’s representative in the State House of Assembly. which informed the resolution of the Assembly to the Governor.
Speaking to journalists, KNCDC Director-General, Muhammad Abbas, regretted that the lawmaker’s statement during plenary that over 50 people died of diphtheria in Rano had drawn attention from the state government, health institutions, and donor agencies across Nigeria and abroad.
“The claim is unfortunate. It is unfair to circulate information that can create unnecessary tension and fear among residents,” Abbas said.
According to KNCDC’s situation analysis, the figures do not support the allegation. Abbas noted that official records show Rano recorded 527 suspected diphtheria cases and 29 deaths between July 2023 and August 2025, adding that from January 2026 to August 13, 2026, the area recorded 32 cases with two deaths.
“We are requesting the honourable member to help us identify the families of those he claimed died from the disease, so government can provide the necessary support,” Abbas insisted.
He stressed that it would be difficult for such a high number of deaths to occur in the area or in any part of the state without detection.
“It is impossible for over 50 people to die from diphtheria without the knowledge of the State Centre for Disease Control,” he said.
“We have Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all 44 LGAs. They send reports to me daily. We also have ward focal persons, community informants, mobilisers, district heads and ward heads in the Centre.
Abbas said KNCDC is however intensifying vaccination across the state, but added that supply remains a challenge.
“Approximately, we need six million doses, but we have received only 300,000 doses from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency,” he said.
He added that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is working to release more funds to procure more vaccines.
In addition, he said that thirteen diphtheria treatment centres have been set up in selected LGAs, including centres at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and the Infectious Diseases Hospital and a reserve isolation centre is in place at Yar Gaya.
“We really have cases, but not at the level reported by their legislator, he stated while urging residents to disregard the claim, he stated.
