NCDC intensifies surveillance for Hantavirus amid global concerns, no confirmed cases in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, announced that the agency has intensified disease surveillance across Nigeria. This action follows reports of an international Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel involving multiple countries. Dr. Idris reassured Nigerians that there are currently no confirmed cases of Hantavirus in the country and that the overall risk to the public remains low. The advisory was issued due to growing global concern and the need for vigilance against emerging infectious diseases. Hantaviruses are primarily spread through rodents, and human infection can occur through exposure to infected rodents, their excretions, or contaminated dust. Symptoms can include fever, gastrointestinal issues, and in severe cases, respiratory complications. The current cluster is linked to the Andes virus strain, which has shown limited human-to-human transmission through close contact. The NCDC has activated enhanced surveillance measures to prevent importation and ensure early detection. Nigerians are advised to maintain clean surroundings, prevent rodent infestation, store food properly, dispose of waste safely, avoid contact with rodents, and practice good hand hygiene. The NCDC continues to monitor global developments in emerging infectious diseases.
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Eight people died in a violent clash between farmers and herders in Gulma town, Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The incident began after a farmer was allegedly stabbed to death by a Fulani herder while working on his farmland. This led to a reprisal attack by members of the farming community on nearby Fulani settlements. The Kebbi State Police Command spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, stating that security operatives have brought the situation under control. Four injured individuals were rescued and treated. Normalcy has been restored, with security personnel deployed to prevent further unrest. Usman urged residents to remain calm and use appropriate channels to address grievances.
Tunde Ayeni, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, now Polaris Bank Limited, was re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja. He faces 18 amended charges related to alleged criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and diversion of funds totaling N15.6 billion. The re-arraignment follows the EFCC's submission of additional proof of evidence. Prosecution counsel Abba Muhammed informed the court that an amended charge and additional proof of evidence were filed on June 22, 2026, which defence counsel Abdul Mohammed confirmed receiving. One charge alleges that on September 18, 2014, Ayeni misappropriated N510 million from depositors' funds by transferring it to Capital Field Investment Group Limited, violating the bank's Operational Policy Manual. Another count claims that on September 23, 2014, Ayeni misappropriated N600 million from the bank's suspense account by transferring it to Harigold Ventures Limited, also in violation of the bank's policy. Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all 18 counts. He was initially arraigned on May 4, 2026, on a 17-count charge. Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case until July 6, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
The Nigerian equities market experienced a strong rebound, gaining N1.518 trillion after several consecutive sessions of losses. The NGX All-Share Index increased by 0.97 percent, closing at 238,219.19 points, and market capitalization rose to N152.845 trillion. This upturn was primarily driven by price appreciation in large and medium-capitalized stocks, including MTN Nigeria Communications, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Zenith Bank, FBN Holdings, and Lafarge Africa. Despite the overall market gain, market breadth was negative, with 35 declining stocks outnumbering 17 advancing stocks. FBN Holdings and GTCO were among the top gainers, each rising by 10 percent. Conversely, FTN Cocoa Processors led the decliners with a 10 percent drop. The total traded volume increased by 11.07 percent to 489.096 million units, valued at N36.493 billion, with Fidelity Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Access Holdings leading the activity chart.