The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has admitted that the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, was caused by medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano.
Samira Suleiman, spokesman of the board, said a preliminary investigation ordered by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mansur Mudi Nagoda, confirmed that surgical scissors were left inside the patient’s body after a surgical procedure.
Suleiman said the board has suspended three personnel directly involved in the case from clinical duties with immediate effect.
She said the matter has also been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for further investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in line with professional standards and the law.
Part of the statement read: “The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathises with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form.”
Umar died after doctors allegedly left surgical scissors in her stomach following an operation at the government-owned urology centre.
Abubakar Muhammad, husband of the deceased, was quoted as saying his wife suffered severe complications after the surgery and later died despite repeated complaints to the hospital.
The incident has sparked public outrage in Kano and renewed concerns over oversight and accountability in public health facilities.
Many Nigerians also took to social media to demand justice for the deceased and reforms in the country’s healthcare system.