Authorities in Mbutu, a community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, have ordered the immediate closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools following the outbreak of a mysterious disease that has claimed the lives of at least six children in less than a week.
The affected community comprises four autonomous areas: Mbutu Ancient Kingdom, Mbutu Nweorie, Mbutu Ukwu, and Mbutu Nwenkwo.
Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, announced the decision in a statement issued to the Mbutu Mbaise Peoples Assembly (MMPA) on Sunday, May 26. He said the school closure, which will last seven days, is a preventive step aimed at curbing the spread of the yet-to-be-identified illness.
According to Alaribe, the disease has so far claimed the lives of children between the ages of one and six. He also announced that children from the Mbutu community will not participate in the Children’s Day celebrations scheduled for Monday, May 27, as a further precaution.
“The World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, and health personnel from Aboh Mbaise are already on ground to investigate and contain the outbreak,” Alaribe said.
He noted that the local government is working with the state government and other relevant agencies to stop the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of residents.
Alaribe urged parents who have not vaccinated their children to do so immediately, emphasizing that vaccination is key to protecting children from preventable diseases.
He also appealed for calm and cooperation from residents, assuring the public that updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
