The Federal Government has confirmed a case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), identifying 44 close contacts as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the infection and prevent further spread.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, following laboratory confirmation of the case.

According to the statement, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda.

She was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received treatment for several days before the diagnosis was confirmed.

The Minister said the patient was currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the FCT Health Services Secretariat and other relevant authorities were working together to contain the infection.

Contact tracing has commenced, with public health teams identifying and monitoring individuals who may have been exposed to the patient, including healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts.

The government has also intensified disease surveillance, while the hospital where the patient received treatment is being supported to strengthen its infection prevention and control measures.

The Federal Government called on public and private healthcare facilities across the country to remain on high alert and promptly report suspected cases to public health authorities.

It urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, identify and isolate suspected cases without delay, and strictly observe infection prevention and control protocols.

The government also explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease, as well as contact with contaminated materials.

It further clarified that a person infected with Ebola cannot transmit the disease before symptoms develop.

The government urged Nigerians to remain informed and follow public health guidance as authorities continue efforts to contain the confirmed case and prevent further transmission.

Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, the revered Yoruba elder statesman and national leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has died at the age of 100.

Announcing the death of the centenarian, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in a statement personally signed on Tuesday, mourned the death of the elder statesman and community leader.

Aiyedatiwa described the late Fasoranti as a symbol of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose contributions to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria would remain indelible.

The governor, in a condolence message issued on Tuesday, said the centenarian’s fatherly counsel, guidance and principled positions on justice and good governance would be sorely missed.

He said Fasoranti lived a fulfilled life and left behind an enduring legacy that would continue to inspire generations.

“Pa Fasoranti was a patriarch, a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of our dear State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large,” Aiyedatiwa said.

Aiyedatiwa, who expressed sadness over the elder statesman’s death, said his administration and the people of Ondo State shared in the grief of the deceased’s family and associates.

On behalf of the state government and its people, the governor extended his condolences to the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom, and the entire state over the loss.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has denied allegations of a plot to assassinate former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Dele Alake, spokesperson for the APC Campaign Council, made the denial while reacting to the allegation raised by Timi Frank, a member of the ADC.

The council urged Frank to submit any evidence in his possession to the relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation, stressing that any credible threat to life must be treated seriously, irrespective of political affiliation.

It categorically denied any involvement by President Bola Tinubu, the Presidency or the APC in an alleged plot targeting Atiku or any other opposition figure.

The council also dismissed reports that security personnel attached to the former vice-president had been withdrawn, insisting that Atiku remained protected by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the statement, President Tinubu recently directed security agencies to strengthen security arrangements for all presidential, vice-presidential, governorship and deputy governorship candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to the political implications of the allegation, Alake described the assassination claims as “typical opposition rabble-rousing”, accusing those behind them of attempting to heighten political tension and attract international attention through social media.

“Let our political competition be peaceful, lawful, and focused on the big issues that matter to Nigerians, not character assassination or wild, baseless allegations,” the statement read.

The APC Campaign Council further highlighted Tinubu’s longstanding experience in opposition politics, urging candidates, political parties and their supporters to remain factual and responsible in their public statements.

It called on political actors to uphold democratic values and ensure that the build-up to the 2027 general elections remains peaceful, lawful and focused on issues affecting Nigerians.