Cholera kills 60 in southwest

At least 20 people died of cholera at the weekend in the Ilaje local council, southwestern Nigeria, bringing the death toll since the outbreak of the disease to 60, ‘The Guardian’ of Lagos reported on Tuesday. It said council Chairman Adebowale Ajimuda told reporters that the recent casualties included a soldier posted to Ilaje during recent communal clashes in the area. The soldier died a few hours after being admitted to a private hospital. About 100 other victims are hospitalised in various health centres in the area. The newspaper said residents were fleeing to neighbouring communities and were avoiding stream water for fear of contracting the disease.