AYGF condemns heavy metal poisoning in Sokoto, calls for action

The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) has condemned the outbreak of heavy metal poisoning in Sokoto state.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had said preliminary findings on the recent mysterious deaths reported in Sokoto may have been caused by heavy metal poisoning.

In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Arome Salifu, Executive Director of AYGF, said during an outreach in the Gaidan settlement, Gidan Katta ward of Illela LGA, Sokoto State, heavy metal poisoning was discovered.

The foundation identified three infrastructure deficiencies contributing to the health crisis.

They included: “Water Supply: The community lacks reliable and clean water, relying on potentially contaminated local wells.

“Sanitation: There is widespread open defecation, with no public toilets, even in schools, compromising hygiene.

“Electricity: The absence of electricity affects food preservation and overall hygiene, exacerbating health risks.”

The statement added: “It is borne out of this that AYGF is calling out/raising a renewed campaign for an urgent National Action primarily to stamp out this challenge, increase access to health care services, and get help for the dozens of victims suffering.”