Bandits who attacked the General Hospital in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State have demanded a ransom of ₦540 million for the release of their captives.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, left a medical doctor, Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire, and another individual injured by gunfire.
Dr. Dandashire sustained a gunshot wound during the raid, while several staff members, including the Assistant Director of Nursing Services and head of the nursing department, Yusuf Muhammad Mairuwa, were abducted. Other victims reportedly include workers from a nearby fertilizer factory.
Sources revealed that the bandits are demanding ₦270 million for the release of Mairuwa and an additional ₦270 million for the remaining hospital staff and factory workers.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State condemned the incident, reiterating his administration’s dedication to safeguarding healthcare workers and residents. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor acknowledged ongoing efforts to reduce banditry but admitted more needs to be done.
“We strongly condemn this heinous attack on our health workers and innocent citizens,” Radda stated. “While we have made progress in curbing such incidents, this attack reminds us that the mission is far from complete. We are restrategizing our security approach to ensure our medical professionals can perform their vital duties without fear.”
The governor also reassured the victims’ families of his administration’s commitment to their safety. “The safety of our healthcare workers and residents remains our paramount concern. We will not rest until these criminals are brought to justice and the abductees are safely reunited with their families,” he added.
This latest attack has reignited concerns about the security situation in Katsina State and the broader northern region of Nigeria, where banditry and abductions remain a persistent challenge.
