Kebbi State Authorities Collaborate with Law Enforcement and Secret Service to Investigate Fatalities at Zuru Hospital's Pediatric Ward

The Kebbi State Government, under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, has broadened its inquiry into the tragic deaths of two children at the General Hospital in Zuru by enlisting the support of security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services.

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This development was made public through a statement issued by Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, who emphasized that the goal is to ensure a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The investigative panel has been tasked with examining allegations that the two victims, who were siblings, were administered a fatal injection, a claim that has sparked widespread public concern and outrage.

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Following reports of the deaths, Governor Nasir Idris had initially constituted the committee to probe the incident, which has been marred by allegations of medical negligence.

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In a bid to strengthen the investigation, the government has approved the addition of new members to the committee, including Dr. Lawal Haruna, Director of Inspectorate; Abdulwalid Kilani, State Chairman of NNMC; and Hantsi Garba, Director of Nursing Services and NNMC representative in Kebbi State.

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The committee is headed by Yakubu Ahmed, the Commissioner for Information, and also comprises Alhaji Sama’ila Augie, the Commissioner for Health; Manu Dogondaji, the Commissioner for Establishment; and Dr. Abubakar Zaki, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, who serves as secretary.

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With the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS, the panel is expected to intensify its efforts to uncover the immediate and underlying causes of the deaths, as well as identify any individuals connected to the incident.

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The government has reaffirmed its commitment to justice, accountability, and improved standards in the health sector, and the committee has been directed to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

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The panel has been instructed to continue its work and submit its findings within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring that the investigation is completed in a timely and efficient manner.