Toxic metals in Yobe’s drinking water linked to rising kidney failures, dementia risks, and accountability demands
A first investigation into the chronic kidney disease (CKD) crisis in Yobe State has found worrying evidence. Heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic were found in water that people in Gashua town drink.
Prof. Mahmoud Maina, Director of the Biomedical Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University, shared these findings. They raise urgent questions about environmental safety, government oversight, and Yobe’s long fight with kidney failure.
High Rate of Kidney Failure
For years, towns along the Yobe River, especially Gashua and Jakusko, have seen unusually high rates of kidney failure, leading to many deaths and illnesses. Local fishermen seem to be affected the most, which may point to risks from their work.
Now, residents are faced with the harsh truth that their daily water may be tainted with toxic metals that can cause kidney disease, cancer, and dementia.
Samples Collection
Researchers collected more than 3,000 samples, including urine, blood, food, farm soil, river water, and borehole water.
A team of 50 experts from around the world, including kidney doctors, geologists, chemists, geneticists, and environmental scientists, took part. Early results show that environmental pollution is a major cause of CKD, along with diabetes and high blood pressure.
Still, no one knows exactly where the pollution is coming from. It could be industrial waste, farm runoff, or natural deposits getting into the river.
Accountability Questions
These gaps raise questions about how toxic metals got into the community’s water without being noticed for so long. Has the Yobe Government done enough to make sure people have safe drinking water, even though they have funded research?
CKD is already harming communities, so why hasn’t there been an emergency response while waiting for the final report in January 2026?
Risk of Dementia
BioRTC has also started a separate study on dementia, warning that cases in Africa could rise by 300% in the next 25 years. Researchers are using advanced stem cell technology to model brain cells from tissue samples, hoping to understand the risks and find treatments.
The combined problems of CKD and dementia show that a major public health crisis could happen if environmental and lifestyle risks are not addressed.
Corruption, Poor Research as Barriers
Prof. Maina says that corruption, lack of funding, and weak research facilities are blocking solutions. Even though he has brought in ₦6 billion worth of equipment from abroad, he says Nigeria’s scientists still do not get enough support.
“If you find cadmium, lead, and arsenic close to your environment, know they can result in kidney disease, cancer, and dementia,” he warned.
Call to Action
Finding heavy metals in Yobe’s water is not just a scientific discovery; it is a call to action. With lives lost and communities suffering, the big questions are: who caused the contamination, and when will people get safe water?
Until the comprehensive report is released, people in Gashua and nearby towns will keep drinking from water sources now thought to be toxic. This silent crisis needs urgent answers.
