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MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — By Prime Brief Media

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has reactivated its Public Health Emergency Response Centres across the state as a precautionary measure following the confirmation of a COVID-19 case in neighbouring Cross River State.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services Dr. Paul Ogwuche made the disclosure on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, while addressing journalists in Makurdi. His remarks came after reports that a Chinese national had tested positive for COVID-19 in Cross River State last week, triggering concerns in communities along the shared boundary between the two states.

"The emergency response centres are functional; all the pillars of operations are very active, so there is no need for anyone to panic because of what happened in Cross River State," Ogwuche stated.

The commissioner acknowledged the geographical proximity between Benue and Cross River but moved swiftly to reassure residents that the state government had taken proactive steps to safeguard public health. "It is true we share a boundary with Cross River, but I am assuring the public that, as part of our preparedness, all Public Health Emergency Response Centres have been reactivated and are functional," he said.

The activation of emergency centres signals the state's readiness to deploy contact tracing, testing, isolation, and treatment protocols should any suspected cases emerge within its borders. Health officials have been placed on alert at border entry points and health facilities across the state.

Progress Against Lassa Fever

In a separate but related update, Commissioner Ogwuche reported significant progress in the state's fight against Lassa fever. According to the commissioner, no new cases of the viral haemorrhagic disease have been recorded in Benue State in the last four weeks. The latest report from the state epidemiologist confirmed zero active cases within the period.

"We are making progress. I spoke with the State Epidemiologist today, and he confirmed that there is no patient on admission at the moment," Ogwuche said. "For the past four weeks, we have been screening and have not recorded any positive cases."

However, the commissioner cautioned that the incubation period for Lassa fever is 42 days, and the state can only be declared officially free of the disease after reaching that benchmark without any positive cases. "If we reach that period without any positive cases, we can declare the state free of Lassa fever. So far, we are doing well," he added.

Ogwuche attributed the success in containing Lassa fever to early response, extensive training of health workers, procurement of personal protective equipment, public sensitisation through jingles and community messaging, and robust case tracking. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation, and other development partners.

"Some partners are already withdrawing because the situation has improved significantly," the commissioner noted.

Health Infrastructure Improvements

Beyond disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, the commissioner highlighted ongoing renovations of Primary Health Care Centres across the state, noting that the government remains committed to strengthening the healthcare system at the grassroots level. He added that the administration had recruited additional health workers into the primary healthcare system, although gaps in personnel still exist.

Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor public health developments across Benue State and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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