Residents of Malabo in the Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa are expressing serious concerns about the emergence of a strange ailment that is inflicting excruciating pain on its victims and damaging their bodies.
Some patients shared their experiences with reporters in Malabo on Friday, describing how the illness often starts off resembling a boil. As it progresses, it bursts and begins to consume the flesh, even affecting the bones in the area.
Mrs. Phibi Sabo has been struggling with this condition for several weeks. She explained, "It began as a painful boil, then it swelled up and burst, leading to the decay of the flesh on my leg, which is now damaging my bones and causing me intense pain. I'm left with an open wound. I can't really explain what is happening to me, even after visiting the hospital and receiving treatment."
Sabo is pleading for government assistance, emphasizing that many patients are unable to perform their daily activities or support their families. "We really need help from the government before this ailment spreads throughout our community," she added. She highlighted the urgency for the government to investigate the source of the illness and provide support for affected families.
Another victim, Malam Junaidu Adamu, has been enduring the same issue for over two months. He recounted his experience, saying, "About two months ago, after I returned from the farm, I noticed pain in my leg. It started off like a boil, then it burst and spread, leading to decay of the flesh."
Adamu mentioned that he spends around N25,000 weekly on medications, but despite his efforts, his condition keeps worsening. "Now, my wife has to stay home to take care of me and the kids, which is really affecting our livelihood," he explained.
He too is urging the government to step in quickly before the ailment spreads to other communities.
Alhaji Aliyu Hammawa, the District Head of Malabo, confirmed that at least 30 individuals have been affected. He noted that eight patients are currently receiving care at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) in Yola, while others are being treated at local health facilities.
Hammawa praised the state government for its prompt response and called for a thorough investigation and diagnosis of the outbreak.
Dr. Suleiman Bashir, the Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, also confirmed the situation. He mentioned that the agency, in partnership with local government, has engaged with 28 victims, but only eight have agreed to receive medical treatment.
Bashir stated that the state government has already covered the treatment costs for those eight patients at MAUTH, and samples have been collected for histology tests, with results expected in the next ten days. He encouraged victims to pursue medical treatment rather than relying solely on traditional remedies and urged residents to report any unusual health issues to healthcare facilities for accurate diagnosis and referral.