The Federal Government, yesterday, announced the outbreak of lead poisioning in some villages in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, which has claimed 28 lives.
Minister of State for Health, Fiddles Nwankwo, who briefed newsmen over the incident in Abuja yesterday, noted that most of those affected were children below five years.
He further said that a technical team confirmed the outbreak of lead poisoning in the area.
Nwankwo linked the outbreak to some new-found illegal mining sites, which contained more leaded ores but were often brought home for crushing and processing.
Altogether, 65 cases have so far been recorded in the affected areas, but there were signs that it could spread to neighbouring localities in the area and Kaduna State.
Nwankwo said, however, that the poison was not contagious if the people were amenable to control and safer and healthier practices were observed.
