Monkeypox rumour: Army stops medical outreach in Anambra, Governor warns mischief makers

The Anambra State government on Wednesday announced that the Nigerian Army has stopped the medical outreach it is undertaking in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state, and advised parents to stop withdrawing their children from schools.

It also debunked allegations of immunisation of children against monkeypox by the army.

A statement by the secretary to the state government, Solo Chukwulobelu, said the army was simply carrying out a medical outreach in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

The statement read: “The state has been made to understand that the exercise is part of Army’s social responsibility to members of the public.

“However, strong apprehension among the populace has followed the exercise leading to withdrawal of students from schools by parents, misconception of the actual motive behind the exercise by stakeholders, community leaders and a general reservation by the public for whom the outreach is intended.”

“To this end and to ensure no further escalation of the situation, the Governor, Willie Obiano has contacted the Army Authorities and advised for immediate stoppage of the medical outreach until wide sensitisation is conducted to reassure people of its intentions and benefits. The exercise has therefore been put on hold.”

Parents and guardians are strongly advised to stop withdrawing their wards from schools as the situation has been handled.

“All schools within the state will remain open as there is no cause for alarm. Community leaders, Presidents General and all stakeholders are hereby reassured of the commitment of the Governor and the State Government to the well-being of Ndi Anambra.”

The Anambra State government condemned the misrepresentation of the situation on the social media, which insinuated that the exercise resulted in the spread of diseases and deaths of students, adding that it was made to understand that the exercise is part of Army’s social responsibility.


“The state government categorically refutes the rhetoric and confirms that there is no death of any student anywhere in the state. Mischief makers are warned to desist from spreading falsehood. Anambra remains calm and peaceful,” the government stated.