A rare and alarming disease that eats away human flesh and destroys bones has infected at least 28 people in Adamawa State, sparking fear and concern among residents.
Dr. Suleiman Bashir, Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, confirmed the outbreak on Saturday. He revealed that specimens from affected patients have been sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja for histology and further analysis, with results expected within 10 days.
Despite the state government covering all medical costs, only eight victims have accepted treatment at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, while many others continue to rely on traditional remedies.
According to health officials, the outbreak is most severe in Malabu, a community in Fufore Local Government Area. Residents report that the disease begins like a boil, then bursts and progressively eats into the flesh, sometimes damaging bones beyond repair.
One victim, Mrs. Phibi Sabo, recounted how her condition started as a small boil before worsening into an open wound that destroyed parts of her leg bone. Another patient, Junaidu Adamu, said he had spent over ₦200,000 on treatment within two months without significant improvement.
District Head of Malabu, Aliyu Hammawa, disclosed that at least 30 people have been affected, with some in hospital care and others remaining in local facilities or untreated at home.
Medical experts are urging residents to seek proper treatment early and promptly report strange health conditions to authorities. The outbreak has also renewed calls for stronger health surveillance systems and improved access to modern healthcare in Nigeria’s rural communities.
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