Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged chief imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations across Nigeria to intensify public awareness of Ebola virus disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The council called on religious leaders to use Friday sermons, mosque gatherings and community engagements to educate worshippers about the disease, its symptoms, preventive measures and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

The advisory, dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, on behalf of the council, which is led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.

The council said religious institutions had an important role to play in preventing the spread of the infection by providing accurate information, encouraging early reporting of suspected cases and discouraging practices that could expose people to the virus.

It also urged state councils for Islamic affairs and Muslim organisations to mobilise their networks to ensure that public health information reaches communities across the country.

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The NSCIA warned that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, has no approved vaccine or specific curative treatment. However, it noted that early detection, prompt medical care and strict preventive measures could improve survival and help prevent further transmission.

The council advised Muslims who develop symptoms suggestive of Ebola to avoid congregational prayers and other public gatherings until they have received medical assessment.

It also cautioned against attempting to treat suspected cases at home or transporting potentially infected people without guidance from health authorities.

On burial practices, the NSCIA warned family members and ordinary burial attendants against washing or handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola victims. It said safe and dignified burials should be conducted by authorised health personnel in consultation with relevant Islamic authorities.

The council further encouraged regular handwashing, environmental cleanliness and avoidance of direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of people who may be infected.

It urged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and comply with official public health directives, while warning against rumours, unverified remedies and the stigmatisation of affected people and their families.

The NSCIA stressed that protecting human life and seeking medical care were consistent with Islamic teachings, urging religious leaders to communicate preventive advice responsibly without creating unnecessary panic.

The advisory followed the Federal Government’s confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, of an Ebola case in Abuja involving a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria after visiting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the patient was receiving medical care in isolation at a private hospital in the FCT.

Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts and commenced contact tracing to determine who may have been exposed to the infection. The contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people linked to the patient’s travels.

The government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies, has intensified surveillance and infection-prevention measures to contain the disease.

The NSCIA urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and guided by verified information as health authorities continue their response.

The council called on imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations to circulate its advisory widely and work with public health officials to protect communities from further transmission.