A fresh outbreak of diphtheria in Imo State has claimed the lives of three school pupils—a girl and two boys—over the weekend in the Amihie Ward, Obibi Ochasi, Okwuabala, and Ihiteowere areas of Orlu Local Council.

In response, the Imo State government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the affected vicinity. The Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. B. T. O. Ikegwuoha, announced the measure in a statement issued yesterday, confirming preliminary findings of the disease’s resurgence in the region.

According to Ikegwuoha, the outbreak is concentrated in several parts of Orlu, including Amihie Ward, Ogberuru, and Obibi Ochasi. He revealed that three fatalities have been confirmed so far, while three additional cases have been reported within families in the Okwuabala and Ihiteowere areas.

“The reported outbreak of diphtheria has led to the deaths of three children in Orlu Council, and as a precautionary measure, all schools in affected communities are temporarily closed,” Ikegwuoha said. He urged principals, headmistresses, parents, and guardians to adhere strictly to the closure directive.

This latest outbreak follows an initial case reported three weeks ago in Aboh Mbaise Local Council, which resulted in six fatalities and a temporary shutdown of schools in the area. Those schools were reopened only last week after the disease was reportedly contained.

The commissioner explained that the closure decision was made in consultation with Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Executive Chairman of Orlu Council, Pastor Chris Mbarie. He emphasised the need to err on the side of caution to safeguard pupils and students in the affected areas.

“All schools in and around Obibi Ochasi, Ogberuru, Okwuabala, Ihioma Clan, Ihitenansa, Asaa Ubirielem, Umuhu Okabia, and adjoining communities are hereby closed until further notice,” Ikegwuoha stated.

The commissioner added that the precautionary measure was necessary to protect the health and safety of the public. “This decision underscores the importance of timely action to contain the disease and ensure the well-being of all citizens,” he said.