A wave of panic has gripped the Mbutu community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State following the sudden outbreak of a yet-to-be-identified illness that has led to the deaths of at least six children within the space of one week. In response to the alarming situation, authorities have ordered the immediate closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in the community for a period of seven days.
The shutdown directive, which was issued as an emergency containment measure, affects educational institutions across the four autonomous communities that make up Mbutu: Mbutu Ancient Kingdom, Mbutu Nweorie, Mbutu Ukwu, and Mbutu Nwenkwo. The aim, according to local authorities, is to curtail the spread of the strange disease and safeguard the lives of other vulnerable children in the area.
Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Hon. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, confirmed the development in a public statement issued on the evening of May 26. He revealed that the victims, aged between one and six years, succumbed to the illness over the course of just a few days, prompting swift action from the local government.
“In response to this tragic situation, I have directed the temporary closure of all nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Mbutu for seven days. This is a preventive step to ensure that the disease does not spread further and to protect our children from further harm,” Alaribe stated in a message to the Mbutu Mbaise Peoples Assembly (MMPA).
As part of additional safety measures, children from Mbutu have also been withdrawn from participating in the 2025 International Children’s Day celebration slated for May 27. This, Alaribe noted, is a proactive decision taken to reduce exposure and minimize community transmission while the outbreak is being investigated.
Medical experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, and local healthcare personnel are currently on ground in Mbutu, working collaboratively to trace the source of the illness and halt its spread. Investigations are ongoing to identify the nature of the disease, with samples reportedly being collected and analyzed.
Alaribe disclosed that plans are already in motion to liaise with the state government and other relevant health agencies for further intervention and support. He also made a passionate appeal to parents and guardians in the community to ensure their children are up to date with vaccinations, stressing that immunization remains one of the most effective tools in preventing the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases.
While expressing sympathy with the families of the deceased, the LGA boss urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with health officials as efforts to contain the disease intensify. He assured that updates will be provided as more information becomes available and reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health in the area.
