NCDC Workers taking health-conscious measures to Disinfect Ebola infested areas. Photo/ NCDC
Abuja, Nigeria ( EPICSTORIAN) – A troubling environmental situation in Gwarinpa’s FHA estate has prompted residents to issue a formal health alert to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Concerns stem from growing signs of rodent infestation, air contamination, and possible links to recent respiratory illnesses across the area.
Behind 64 Crescent, Off 6th Avenue, a neglected site identified as the source of the problem has become the focus of intense complaints.
A foul stench has lingered in the air for months. Reports say the odor has grown stronger and more intrusive in recent weeks. Those living near the area are increasingly uneasy.
Environmental Health Hazards Raising Lassa Fever Fears
The Team 7 Neighborhood Association, a group representing affected residents, submitted a formal petition to the NCDC. In the letter, they urged health authorities to inspect the zone and contain the rising health threats.
The document, signed by Chairman Sir Uche Okoli, was also shared with other agencies, including the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Health Department, and the FCT Health Secretariat.
Okoli detailed a growing number of health complaints possibly linked to the suspected contamination zone. “We are seeing a troubling pattern of health complaints—coughing, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms consistent with poor air quality and possible exposure to biological hazards,” the letter stated.
Several residents have been hospitalized. There are also unverified reports of deaths potentially connected to respiratory complications.
Rodent sightings have surged in recent weeks, especially of the multimammate rat species (Mastomys natalensis), known to spread Lassa Fever. Alongside rats, residents have seen a rise in flies and other vectors, including tsetse flies and blowflies—carriers of various communicable diseases.
Symptoms are not limited to those living close to the suspected source. Individuals several blocks away have reported similar health issues, indicating that the risk may be expanding.
Residents fear that without quick containment, the area could witness an outbreak similar to past public health emergencies.
The association’s petition calls for an urgent public health assessment of the site. They are requesting environmental sampling—including soil, air, and water tests—to help identify contamination levels. Mass health screenings are also being demanded to check for possible exposure to Lassa Fever or other pathogens.
The residents are asking the NCDC to provide clear safety guidelines for people living nearby. They believe this will help limit exposure while investigations continue. In addition, they’re calling for the immediate cleanup and removal of hazardous materials from the site.
Past outbreaks of Lassa Fever and similar diseases have often originated in neglected, unsanitary locations. Residents warn that failure to respond now could allow a similar crisis to unfold.
“Some of these complaints are now coming from residents who don’t even live directly near the suspected contamination source,” Okoli warned, reinforcing concerns that the issue has spread beyond the initial area.
Gwarinpa, once considered one of Abuja’s better-planned neighborhoods, is now experiencing growing fear and frustration. Residents say the conditions are deteriorating and urge rapid intervention to prevent a larger health emergency.
“Our residents deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment,” Okoli said. “We are not just raising alarm; we are calling for responsible action and offering full cooperation. This is about protecting lives and preventing tragedy.”
The community remains hopeful that the NCDC and other agencies will act quickly to contain what many now view as a potential Lassa Fever hotspot.
