Bandits attacked a general hospital in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, abducting several individuals and leaving others injured, including a doctor. Among those taken were Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire, who sustained a gunshot wound during the attack, and Yusuf Muhammad Mairuwa, the Assistant Director of Nursing Services.
The bandits have demanded a ransom of ₦270 million for Mairuwa’s release and an additional ₦270 million for other hospital staff and individuals from a nearby fertilizer factory, totaling a staggering ₦540 million. The attack has raised serious concerns over the safety of healthcare workers and the general security situation in the region.
In response to the incident, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State expressed his deep concern and vowed to restructure the state’s security measures. A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that medical professionals can perform their duties without fear. “We are restrategising our security approach to ensure that our medical professionals can perform their vital duties without fear. The safety of our healthcare workers and residents remains our paramount concern,” he said.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the growing insecurity in the region. Efforts are underway to locate and free the kidnapped victims while authorities continue to work on improving security measures. The safety of healthcare professionals, who play a crucial role in the well-being of the public, has become an urgent priority.
