Schools shut down in Imo as six pupils die from strange disease

Following the outbreak of a mysterious killer disease which has already claimed the lives of about six pupils in less than one week in Mbutu community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, all nursery, primary and secondary schools have been shut down for seven days.

Mbutu Mbaise community comprises of four autonomous communities -Mbutu Ancient Kingdom , Mbutu Nweorie, Mbutu Ukwu and Mbutu Nwenkwo autonomous communities.

The order to shut down all nursery to secondary schools to in Mbutu community immediately was aimed at stemming the spread of the disease and save some lives of children.

Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe , the Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area informed the public about the outbreak of the strange disease that has claimed the lives of over six children aged one to six years in the Mbutu community in less than seven days.

In a statement made available to Mbutu Mbaise Peoples Assembly (MMPA) platform, in the evening of yesterday, May 26,said, interlia, “in response to this situation, the executive chairman has ordered the temporary closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Mbutu for seven days. This measure aims to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of our children.

Additionally, children from Mbutu will not participate in the Children’s Celebration scheduled for tomorrow May 27, 2025, as a precautionary measure.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Disease Prevention and Control in the Imo State Ministry of Health, along with health staff from Aboh Mbaise, are actively working to investigate and stop the spread of this unusual disease.

“Plans are underway to collaborate with the State Government and relevant agencies to contain the outbreak and ensure the well-being of our citizens.

“In light of this outbreak, parents who have not yet vaccinated their children are strongly advised to do so without delay. Vaccinations are essential for preventing the spread of diseases and protecting our children’s health”, Alaribe said.

Meanwhile , the Aboh Mbaise Local Government boss has urged the general public to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant authorities as efforts by relevant medical authorities are working contain this outbreak.

And assured that updates would be made available as more information comes.