The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has expressed concern over illnesses and deaths among tourists and students at the Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State.
The Director General of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ihekweazu was reacting to the death of some students from the College of Education, Waka-Biu, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, who were on a field trip to the reserve.
The director, who described the situation as very sad and unfortunate, said the NCDC was working closely with Bauchi State Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation for further investigation and appropriate response.
He, however, advised Nigerians to remain calm and stay away from areas where the incident occurred until investigations were completed.
The NCDC boss again advised persons who had visited the area to report at the nearest hospital for checkup.
NAN reports that the Provost of the college Mohammed Audu, had earlier confirmed the death of nine of the students, saying some were being treated in hospitals.
According to Audu, Biu has been thrown into confusion in the last few days as the strange illness continues to affect mainly students of the institution.
He said the deceased students had complained of abdominal pains, and would later vomit blood before succumbing to the cold hands of death.
NCDC expresses deep concern over illness, death of nine student tourists in Bauchi
