In a chilling attack that has reignited concerns over the deteriorating security situation in northern Nigeria, armed bandits stormed the General Hospital in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State on the evening of January 14, 2025. The attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, unleashed terror, leaving the medical staff and patients in shock and disarray.
The assailants shot Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire in the leg as he attempted to protect his colleagues. He is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed location, with reports indicating his condition is stable. In addition to the assault on Dr. Dandashire, the gunmen kidnapped at least five individuals, including hospital staff and patients. Among the abducted are a nurse, a laboratory technician, and three relatives of patients who were in the hospital at the time of the attack.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the bandits operated unchallenged for over an hour, looting medical supplies, confiscating personal belongings, and creating chaos in the hospital wards. "They came heavily armed, shooting sporadically. Everyone was running for their lives," said a hospital staff member who narrowly escaped.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the incident, with the spokesperson assuring the public that a joint security operation is underway to rescue the abducted individuals and apprehend the perpetrators. "We are deploying all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the victims and to bring the culprits to justice," the police statement read.
This attack comes as Kankara Local Government grapples with escalating insecurity. Notably, Kankara is no stranger to banditry. In 2020, the abduction of over 300 schoolboys from the Government Science Secondary School in the same area garnered global attention and condemnation. Despite assurances from authorities about improved security, the region remains a hotspot for criminal activities, with hospitals, schools, and marketplaces frequently targeted.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the attack, calling it a "direct assault on the health sector" and demanding urgent action to protect healthcare workers and facilities. "This is a wake-up call for the government to take decisive steps in addressing the insecurity that has plagued our communities and now threatens the lives of those working tirelessly to save others," stated the NMA President.
Calls for increased security in healthcare facilities have also poured in from civil society organizations and concerned citizens. They have urged the government to provide armed escorts for medical personnel and strengthen the security infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
As families of the abducted staff and patients await news of their loved ones, the attack on the Kankara General Hospital serves as a grim reminder of the dire state of security in parts of Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to restore peace and safety in communities under siege.
Efforts to reach Katsina State officials for further comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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