Ebola in Nigeria: Atiku calls for continued contact tracing
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
After a case of Ebola was confirmed in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, former vice-president Atiku Abubakar urged the public to remain calm and asked the authorities to continue contact tracing. He also urged Nigerians to follow health advice and avoid unverified information, according to a statement by the African Democratic Congress candidate.
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice-president and presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Tuesday urged the authorities to continue contact tracing after a case of Ebola was confirmed in the Federal Capital Territory. He also called for support for those affected and protection for the health workers deployed, Punch reported.
Atiku urged Nigerians to remain calm, follow expert advice and avoid sharing unverified information. He called on the media to inform the public responsibly to limit misinformation and panic.
The federal government confirmed the case after tests established that a woman who had recently arrived from Uganda on an international flight was infected. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said 44 contacts had been identified, including healthcare workers, patients, companions and people linked to the journey. The patient is in isolation and receiving treatment.
Atiku praised the work of health professionals and called for a coordinated response to prevent transmission. The ADC candidate recently also proposed targeted assistance to address fuel costs in Nigeria.
Update, 21 October 2026: After a case of Ebola was confirmed in Abuja, the Nigerian Academy of Medical Sciences recommended avoiding handshakes, hugs and unnecessary physical contact. Read: Ebola in Nigeria: medical academy recommends avoiding physical contact.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
