By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar, Katsina Times
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Katsina State Council, has announced the withdrawal of its members from hospitals located in frontline and vulnerable areas of the state due to escalating insecurity. The decision, effective from Thursday, 30th January 2025, follows the recent abduction of a nurse, Yusuf Mohammed Mairuwa, alongside other health workers, by armed men.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing held at the Lawal Hussaini Nurses’ House, Modoji Quarters, Katsina on tuesday 28th January, the association expressed deep concerns over the safety of health workers in the state. The Chairman, Nura Mu’azu, described the situation as dire, recounting past incidents of violence against healthcare providers.
The kidnapped nurse, Nr. Mairuwa, was taken while on duty at General Hospital Kankara on 15th January 2025. He remains in captivity alongside others, with the abductors demanding a ransom of N270 million each for their release. This incident follows a series of attacks on healthcare workers, including the killing of Nr. Murtala Isah Safana in 2022 and the attack on Nr. Hamza Saleh, who lost an eye during a violent incident near Yan-Tumaki.
The association disclosed that despite notifying the Katsina State Government about the security challenges on 15th January, little progress has been made to address the issues. The promised deployment of security personnel to vulnerable hospitals within a two-week period has not been fulfilled, prompting the nurses' withdrawal.
The association outlined their demands, including, Immediate deployment of 24/7 security in hospitals across frontline and vulnerable areas, Urgent measures to secure the release of Nr. Mairuwa and other captives, Compensation for healthcare workers affected by insecurity, Improved remuneration and welfare to attract and retain healthcare workers in the state.
The nurses also appealed to the abductors to release Nr. Mairuwa and others unharmed, highlighting the sacrifices health workers make daily to save lives.
The association emphasized the pressing need for the government to prioritize the security and welfare of healthcare workers, noting that without safety, the delivery of quality healthcare services cannot be guaranteed.
The strike is expected to impact hospitals in Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Jibia, Dutsin-Ma, Musawa, Malumfashi, Funtua, and Batagarawa. The association has urged the public to bear with them as they push for the necessary interventions to ensure their safety and the well-being of all healthcare providers in the state.
