FEAR : Tension in Kogi as Fulani Communities Reject Measles Vaccines

LOKOJA — Some Fulani residents in Kogi State have reportedly rejected the ongoing Measles, Polio, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination being administered to children and young girls under the state’s 2025 Integrated Immunization Campaign.

The Kogi State Government recently flagged off the Integrated Measles-Rubella, Polio, and HPV Vaccination Campaign — a major public health intervention aimed at protecting children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases.

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Resistance in Fulani Communities

A visit by Vanguard to Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area revealed that while the exercise recorded high compliance among indigenous residents, it faced stiff resistance from Fulani communities.

Speaking on the situation, the Local Government Immunisation Officer, Mr. Atyodele Raphael, said the resistance was affecting efforts to meet the council’s vaccination targets.

“Despite using interpreters who speak their language, we are surprised by their repeated resistance,” Raphael said.
“Most Fulani women insist that we must get permission from their husbands before vaccinating their children, but many of the men are away. Even when we ask them to inform their husbands and return later, most still refuse. Only a few families allow us to proceed.”

He added that the council is intensifying awareness campaigns among Fulani groups and expressed optimism that more families would consent before the exercise ends.

According to Raphael, the local government is targeting 66,000 children for immunization under the campaign.

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Government Flags Off Campaign

Flagging off the campaign at Kpata Primary Health Centre in Lokoja, Governor Usman Ododo said the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and future of Kogi children and adolescents.

He described the vaccination campaign as a significant step toward eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and protecting girls against cervical cancer through the HPV vaccine.

“The vaccination campaign represents our renewed commitment to life, health, and the future of Kogi State,” Ododo said.
“These vaccines are free, safe, and effective, and no child should be left behind.”

The governor urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to support the campaign, commending partners such as UNICEF and frontline health workers for their dedication to improving the well-being of Kogi citizens.

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Health Officials Commend Support

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, praised the governor’s leadership and acknowledged the growing community support for revitalizing Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, said the campaign targets 1.9 million children aged 9 months to 14 years for Measles and Rubellavaccination, with additional coverage for Polio and HPV.

He explained that the campaign — running from October 6 to 15 — is supported by UNICEF and other development partners.

“We are determined to ensure that every eligible child and adolescent is reached, no matter where they live,” Dr. Omeiza said.

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Background

The Integrated Immunization Campaign aligns with the Federal Government’s National Primary Health Care strategy, which seeks to eradicate Measles, Polio, and HPV-related cervical cancer through mass vaccination and public health education.

Despite isolated resistance, health authorities remain optimistic that intensified community engagement and collaboration with traditional leaders will drive success before the campaign concludes.