Researcher Calls for Investigation into Possible Causes of Kidney Disease in Gashu’a
- Repoter 11
- 09 Oct, 2026
A PhD researcher in Industrial Biotechnology, Babangida Alhaji Jinjiri, has called for comprehensive scientific investigations into the possible causes of kidney disease in Gashu’a, Yobe State, urging authorities to examine drinking-water quality, environmental contaminants, and other recognised medical risk factors.
Jinjiri, who is pursuing his PhD at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Malaysia, said determining the actual causes of kidney disease in the town requires reliable laboratory analyses, medical investigations, and evidence-based research.
He raised concerns about the possible presence of toxic heavy metals in drinking water, stressing that their concentrations must be accurately measured and compared with recognised drinking-water quality standards before conclusions can be drawn about their potential effects on human health.
According to him, detecting heavy metals in water does not automatically mean that the water is dangerous, as the health implications depend on the type of metal, its concentration, and the level and duration of exposure.
He also highlighted the importance of using appropriate analytical techniques to identify and quantify potentially harmful substances, noting that different laboratory methods have different capabilities and limitations.
The researcher further recommended a comprehensive investigation into other possible sources of contamination, including agricultural chemicals, food-preservation practices, and potentially contaminated vegetables and other food products.
He explained that some plants, including spinach and carrots, can absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil and irrigation water, making it necessary to investigate the safety of locally cultivated produce rather than assume that all such vegetables are harmful.
Jinjiri also identified diabetes, hypertension, family history, older age, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and exposure to certain kidney-damaging medications or toxic substances as recognised risk factors for kidney disease.
He called for a multidisciplinary research team to investigate people receiving kidney treatment in Gashu’a, alongside available medical records of those who have died from the disease, to establish the possible contributions of environmental exposure and underlying medical conditions.
He stressed, however, that comparing patients with and without recognised risk factors would not, on its own, establish the cause of the disease, adding that researchers must consider exposure histories, clinical findings, appropriate comparison groups, and statistical evidence.
On possible solutions, Jinjiri recommended that if laboratory tests confirm harmful levels of heavy metals in drinking water, appropriate treatment technologies should be introduced based on the specific contaminants identified.
He mentioned reverse osmosis and nanofiltration as potential treatment options, while explaining that ultrafiltration alone is generally insufficient for removing dissolved heavy-metal ions.
The researcher also urged relevant government agencies to strengthen water-quality monitoring, investigate potential sources of contamination, and ensure that drinking water meets applicable safety standards.
He called for public awareness campaigns to educate residents about kidney disease, its risk factors, the importance of early diagnosis, and the need to seek appropriate medical care.
Jinjiri further urged community leaders, religious scholars, healthcare professionals, researchers, and government authorities to work together to address the issue.
He noted that although some residents attribute kidney disease to supernatural causes, establishing the actual causes requires scientific and medical evidence.
He emphasised that the priority should be protecting lives, supporting affected residents, and identifying effective measures to prevent further cases.
Jinjiri has research interests in environmental biotechnology and post-treatment technologies. In 2025, he presented a paper titled “Post-treatment Technology and Microbial Population Dynamics in Digestate of Oil Palm Industry for Production of Biofertilizer: A Perspective” at the International Conference on Ocean Engineering Technology (ICOET), organised by the Faculty of Engineering Technology at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.
He said the paper had been selected for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal and was undergoing peer review.
The researcher prayed for Allah's protection for healthy residents and a speedy recovery for those undergoing treatment.
NE News
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