NSCIA urges calm, vigilance as Nigeria confirms Ebola case in FCT
*NSCIA calls on Imams, Islamic scholars to intensify awareness
By KEMI KASUMU
According to the statement, 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.
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).
The Council also called on federal and state governments to intensify disease surveillance, contact tracing, public enlightenment and preparedness of healthcare facilities to prevent further spread of the disease.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, reportedly announced the confirmed case on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation in the FCT.
In a press release dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the NSCIA, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, 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 statement, signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL, stressed the need for adequate protection of healthcare workers and the timely dissemination of accurate information to the public.
The Council explained that Ebola is 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, or the bodies of people who have died from the disease. It added that infection could also occur through contact with infected wild animals.
According to the statement, 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 further noted that the Bundibugyo strain associated with the current outbreak has no known approved vaccine or specific curative treatment, although early medical intervention and supportive care can significantly improve survival.
The NSCIA 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 also urged individuals experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to avoid close contact with others and seek immediate medical attention.
The Council called on Nigerians to cooperate with health authorities in contact tracing, refrain from spreading unverified information and avoid stigmatising affected individuals and their families.
Addressing the Muslim community, the Council emphasised that the preservation of life, known in Islamic jurisprudence as Hifz al-Nafs, is one of the fundamental objectives of Islamic law, Maqasid al-Shari’ah.
Citing Qur’an 2:195, which cautions against throwing oneself into destruction, the NSCIA said Islam encourages precautionary measures in the face of infectious diseases.
It also recalled the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that people should not unnecessarily leave an area affected by an outbreak, while those outside should not enter it.
Consequently, the Council urged Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, State Councils for Islamic Affairs and Muslim organisations nationwide to intensify public awareness through Friday sermons, religious gatherings and community engagements.
It further advised individuals suspected of infection to refrain from attending congregational prayers pending medical assessment, while complying with health professionals’ instructions on movement and treatment.
The NSCIA reaffirmed its readiness to mobilise its nationwide network of mosques, Islamic organisations and community leaders to support disease prevention and public health education.
The Council stressed that faith, prayer and appropriate medical care are complementary rather than contradictory, urging Nigerians to act responsibly while supporting efforts to contain the disease.
The statement concluded with a prayer for Allah’s protection over Nigeria and its people, healing for those affected, strength for healthcare workers and safety for humanity against the disease.
