The Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Emago-Kugbo Community in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, Levi Marcus says several children were still at risk of dying as a result of the measles outbreak in the area.

Marcus, who disclosed this in an interview with Kristina Reports on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 in Emago-Kugbo Community, accused the Head of Primary Healthcare Department in Abua/Odual LGA, Dr Henry Iboh of being ignorant of the tragic situation in the area.

Dr Iboh had told journalists on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 that contrary to the trending news about deaths of children following measles outbreak, no life was lost in the area, explaining that a team of medical experts were in the communities two days ago and that no life was lost.

The Abua/Odual PHC boss dismissed the news of the outbreak as mere rumours, advising bearers of such malicious rumours to always verify their stories before rushing to the Media.

Dr Iboh, however, noted that there was mild outbreak of measles in the area, urging parents to make their children available for immunization, enjoining them to always go to the Primary Healthcare Centres close to them to immunize their children under the age of five against childhood killer diseases.

But in a swift reaction, the Emago-Kugbo CDC Chairman described the statement credited to Dr Iboh as an expression of ignorance, stressing that there was ample evidence of outbreak of the disease and associated deaths of children in the area.  

“They are only exposing their level of ignorance; coming to see the morbidity rate that is very high, how can there be no mortality rate? So, they are trying to expose their level of ignorance that is why they are saying that there is no life lost.”

“Yes, children died in Emago-Kugbo and Amurutoru-Kugbo; if you want me to upload pictures of the graves of the children who died, I will send them to you.”

You know that the Bible says when the righteous rules the people rejoice but when wicked rule the people suffer; that is what is happening now.”  

Also speaking, one of the women that lost their children to the measles outbreak, Joy Jackson, a native of Emago-Kugbo told Kristina Reports that she lost one child while two others survived, saying that they were yet to see the promised medical team that was to come and immunize children in the area.

“I lost one of my children while two survived; for the two surviving ones, I have not seen any form of help.”

“They said they will come tomorrow to immunize those who have the sickness and those who do not have. But up till now they have not come.”

“Now, we heard that they said they will come tomorrow (Thursday) and they will bring drugs to come and rescue those who are alive.”

Mrs. Jackson stated that several other women also lost their children to the outbreak, saying that there was ample evidence around the community of the incident.

“There are many other children who died in Emago-Kugbo, I can’t even say the number. If you really want to confirm they will take you to other women.”