By Mahdi Isa Waziri
Tragedy struck at the Kankara General Hospital in Katsina State, Nigeria, as bandits stormed the facility, shooting and killing a brilliant young doctor, Murtala Sale Dandashire, and abducting five people .
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, highlighting the escalating insecurity and violence plaguing Nigeria.
Dr. Dandashire, a native of Kankara, was a shining star in the medical community. He was the best graduating medical student of 2019 from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria . His exceptional academic achievements and dedication to his craft made him a role model for aspiring medical professionals.
The bandits’ attack on the hospital is a grim reminder of the rampant kidnappings and violence that have become all too common in Nigeria. Katsina State, in particular, has been one of the hardest hit, with numerous incidents of banditry and kidnapping reported in recent months
According to eyewitnesses, the bandits arrived at the hospital in the dead of night, catching the staff and patients off guard. They shot Dr. Dandashire and abducted five people, including patients and hospital staff ². The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but it is believed to be a kidnapping for ransom.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for increased security measures to protect hospitals and medical personnel. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a statement condemning the attack and demanding that the government take immediate action to ensure the safety of healthcare workers ².
The attack on the hospital is not an isolated incident. Over the past three months, bandits have attacked three hospitals in Katsina State, including the Kurfi General Hospital and the Mai Tsani Hospital in Dutsin-ma LGA . This highlights the urgent need for improved security measures to protect healthcare facilities and personnel.
The Nigerian government has been criticized for its response to the growing insecurity in the country. Many have called for a more proactive approach to addressing the root causes of the violence and ensuring the safety of citizens. The attack on the hospital is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
As the nation mourns the loss of Dr. Dandashire, there are calls for the government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. This includes increasing security presence at hospitals, providing adequate funding for healthcare facilities, and addressing the root causes of the violence.
The incident has also raised concerns about the impact of insecurity on the healthcare sector. Many medical professionals are already working in challenging conditions, and the threat of violence and kidnapping is making it even more difficult for them to provide essential services.
The attack on the Kankara General Hospital is a tragic reminder of the escalating insecurity in Nigeria. The nation must come together to demand action from the government to ensure the safety of citizens, particularly healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of providing essential services.