Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to remain calm and rely on verified information following the confirmation of an Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, while calling for sustained contact tracing and coordinated action to prevent further transmission.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, also called on authorities to support affected persons, protect frontline health workers and ensure that the country’s response is guided by accurate information and decisive public health measures.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the former vice-president expressed concern over the development and commended medical professionals working to contain the infection.
“My thoughts are with the patient, and I commend the health professionals working with urgency to contain the infection and protect the public,” he said.
He stressed that Nigerians deserved clear communication from the authorities rather than conflicting reports that could fuel fear and confusion.
“In a moment like this, Nigerians deserve calm, clear information and decisive action,” Atiku added, urging the public to follow guidance from health experts and avoid spreading unverified claims about the disease.
He also highlighted the responsibility of the media to provide accurate information, noting that responsible reporting would help prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic.
The former vice-president further called for stronger coordination among relevant agencies and sustained support for health workers on the front lines of the response.
His appeal comes as the Federal Government confirms one case of Ebola disease in Abuja following laboratory tests on a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the confirmation on Tuesday, saying the patient was receiving medical care in isolation while public health authorities worked to prevent further spread.
According to the government, the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja on October 11. Her infection was subsequently confirmed through laboratory testing.
Health authorities have identified 44 contacts linked to the patient, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Contact tracing is continuing as officials work to identify other people who may have been exposed.
The government has appealed to passengers who may have travelled with the woman, as well as anyone contacted by public health teams, to provide the requested information and comply with official instructions.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other relevant agencies have also intensified surveillance and response measures, including efforts to strengthen infection prevention and control at the hospital where the patient received treatment.
Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, as well as through contaminated materials. Early detection, isolation, contact tracing and strict infection prevention measures are important in limiting transmission.
The Federal Government has advised Nigerians to practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease and seek guidance from public health authorities if they develop symptoms following possible exposure.
People who experience symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, vomiting or diarrhoea after a potential exposure should contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.
The government has also urged healthcare facilities to remain vigilant, promptly isolate suspected cases and report them to the appropriate authorities.
Nigeria previously contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 through coordinated surveillance, rapid identification of cases, isolation and contact tracing. The experience remains an important reference point for the country’s response to the current case.
Authorities have called for public cooperation as investigations and contact tracing continue, stressing that people identified as contacts are not necessarily infected but may require monitoring based on their exposure.
The NCDC’s toll-free line, 6232, is available around the clock for information and reports of suspected cases.
Atiku’s message adds to calls from public officials and health authorities for Nigerians to remain calm, follow professional medical guidance and avoid spreading rumours as the country works to contain the infection.
The immediate priority remains identifying people who may have been exposed, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission through a coordinated public health response.
