The Kebbi Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals has embarked on a fumigation exercise against mosquitoes and reptiles in the 21 local government areas across the state.

The exercise followed Governor Nasir Idris’ mandate to the ministry to cover all the local government areas to protect residents against malaria.

A health ministry director, Muhammad Nasir-Musa, said the exercise had already covered notorious mosquito flashpoints.

“These areas include the Government House, the House of the deputy governor, hospitals, markets, motor parks and other public places. The team fumigated the premises of the Kebbi State Teaching Hospital, Kalgo, and schools in Birnin Kebbi and Kalgo, among others,” he said.

Mr Nasir-Musa explained that the objective of the fumigation was to eliminate mosquitoes at the adult stage and the larvae level.

“To overcome the threats of malaria and dengue fever, it is essential to kill mosquitoes because they are the carriers of both diseases. Mosquitoes breed mostly in the rainy season, we are attacking places of their reproduction, focussing on bushes, stagnant water and drainages.

“The environment ministry has extended coverage of this fumigation to Argungu, Yauri and Zuru emirates,” he assured.

The director recalled that since assuming office, Mr Idris had continued to energise the ministry to discharge its mandate, adding that the governor had directed the ministry to cover the entire 21 LGAs of Kebbi.

“The ministry advises the public to drain any stagnant water close by and clear all bushes, people should also sustain use of mosquito nets as well as apply safety nets on windows.

“Malaria is a terrible disease spread by mosquitoes. Therefore, we must work collectively to eliminate adult mosquitoes and mosquito larvae,” the director advised.

The chief medical director of the Kebbi Teaching Hospital, Kalgo, Abubakar Ka’oji, appreciated the government’s effort under Mr Idris to embark on fumigation to address health-related issues of mosquitoes and harmful insects.

(NAN)