NSCIA urges calm, vigilance over confirmed Ebola case in FCT

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III

…calls on imams, Islamic scholars to intensify public awareness The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for intensified surveillance, public enlightenment and strict adherence to preventive measures. The Council also called on Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Muslim organisations across the country to use Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community engagements to educate Nigerians on the dangers of the disease and measures to prevent its spread. In a public health advisory dated October 21, 2026, and signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the NSCIA said it was concerned about the development but commended the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) for their efforts to contain the disease. The Council urged federal and state governments to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, public awareness and the preparedness of healthcare facilities, while ensuring adequate protection for healthcare workers and the timely dissemination of accurate information. It warned that Ebola was a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected persons who have developed symptoms, contaminated materials and the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Infection could also occur through contact with infected wild animals. The Council noted that the symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding. It noted that the Bundibugyo strain associated with the current outbreak had no known approved vaccine or specific curative treatment, although early medical intervention and supportive care could significantly improve survival. The NSCIA consequently advised Nigerians to practise regular handwashing, avoid direct contact with suspected cases and their bodily fluids, and promptly report suspected infections to the appropriate health authorities through the NCDC toll-free number, 6232. It further urged people experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and seek immediate medical guidance. The Council also called for public cooperation with contact-tracing efforts, warning against the spread of unverified information and the stigmatisation of affected individuals and their families. Addressing the Muslim community, the NSCIA stressed that the preservation of life, known in Islamic jurisprudence as Hifz al-Nafs, was one of the fundamental objectives of Islamic law, or Maqasid al-Shari’ah. It cited Qur’an 2:195, which cautions against throwing oneself into destruction, and recalled the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on precautions during infectious disease outbreaks. The Council said Islamic leaders had a responsibility to reinforce public health messages and encourage responsible behaviour within their communities. It specifically advised persons suspected of having the infection to refrain from attending congregational prayers pending medical assessment. It added that anyone who developed symptoms associated with a serious infectious disease should promptly seek medical attention, avoid exposing others to possible infection and comply with health professionals’ instructions on movement and treatment. The NSCIA assured the Federal Government of its readiness to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders to support disease prevention and public health education. It emphasised that faith, prayer and appropriate medical care were complementary rather than contradictory, urging Nigerians to respond to the outbreak with calmness, vigilance and responsibility. The Council prayed for the protection of Nigeria, the recovery of affected persons, the safety of healthcare workers and an end to the threat posed by the disease. Tags:

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