A total number of 83 health workers have been kidnapped by bandits in Katsina state, out of which 16 have been killed.

Comrade Mannir Mohammed Suleiman, the state Chairman Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, disclosed this at a dinner organized in honour of Dr Shamsuddeen Yahaya for his reappointment as the Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Agency in Katsina on Wednesday.

Suleiman said out of the number, 65 were released after ransom payment, while 16 other health personnel were killed, saying that the incident happened within eight years.

“Out of the number, one person escaped with a bullet wound, while one other person is nowhere to be found for the last four years.”

Therefore, The state Union chairman requested the state government to review the health workers’ staff register and welfare, particularly in the Frontline Local Government Areas with high insecurity challenges both day and night.

He then congratulated the reappointed Executive Secretary of the Health agency, stressing that this has demonstrated the state Governor has confidence in him to steer the agency to greater heights in the state.

While praying to Almighty Allah to guide and protect the reappointed health care agency boss, Comrade Mannir Mohammed Suleiman pledged the Union’s support and cooperation in the discharge of his statutory responsibilities.

Culled from Tribune