Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to contain the reported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for stronger surveillance, sustained contact tracing and adequate protection for frontline health workers.
Atiku described the development as deeply concerning, expressing sympathy for the patient and commending health professionals working to contain the infection and protect the public.
In a statement, the former vice president stressed the need for a coordinated response by relevant authorities, urging them to provide clear information, support affected persons and take all necessary measures to prevent further transmission.
“The confirmed case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory is deeply concerning. My thoughts are with the patient, and I commend the health professionals working with urgency to contain the infection and protect the public,” he said.
Atiku emphasised that the situation required calm, timely communication and decisive action from the government and relevant health institutions to protect Nigerians and prevent unnecessary panic.
“In a moment like this, Nigerians deserve calm, clear information and decisive action,” he said.
He called on health authorities to sustain contact tracing and strengthen surveillance to identify people who may have been exposed to the infection and ensure they receive appropriate medical attention and guidance.
Contact tracing is a critical component of controlling infectious disease outbreaks because it helps health officials identify and monitor people who may have come into contact with an infected person.
The former vice president also urged the authorities to provide adequate support for those affected while ensuring that healthcare workers involved in the response had the necessary protection and resources to carry out their duties safely.
He commended frontline personnel for their efforts, noting the importance of safeguarding those working to contain the infection and care for patients.
Atiku further appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with public health authorities and follow the guidance issued by health experts, warning against the spread of unverified information that could create fear and confusion.
“I call on every Nigerian to follow the guidance of health experts and share only verified information,” he said.
He stressed that public cooperation and access to accurate information were essential to an effective response, particularly during a public health emergency when rumours and misleading reports could undermine confidence and complicate containment efforts.
The former vice president also highlighted the responsibility of the media in ensuring that Nigerians receive accurate and timely information about the situation.
According to him, journalists and media organisations must report responsibly, rely on verified information and avoid amplifying unconfirmed claims that could cause unnecessary alarm.
“The media has an important role in informing the public responsibly and helping prevent fear and misinformation,” he added.
Atiku’s appeal comes amid public health concerns surrounding the reported Ebola case in the FCT, underscoring the importance of transparent communication and coordinated action by government agencies and health professionals.
He urged the relevant authorities to sustain their efforts until the situation was brought under control, while encouraging Nigerians to support health workers and comply with official public health guidance.
The former vice president maintained that protecting lives should remain the priority, calling for collective responsibility among the government, healthcare professionals, the media and the general public.
“Let us stand together, support our health workers and do everything necessary to contain this case swiftly. The safety of every Nigerian must remain our shared priority,” he said.