The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives NANNM, Katsina State Council, has issued a bombshell announcement: starting Thursday, 30th January 2025, nurses and midwives in hospitals across Katsina’s most vulnerable and frontline areas will withdraw their services.
This decision follows the harrowing abduction of one of their members, Nr. Yusuf Mohammed Mairuwa, on 15th January while on duty at General Hospital Kankara. Nr. Mairuwa was reportedly taken alongside other health workers at gunpoint, with their captors demanding an exorbitant ransom of N270 million each.
In a press briefing held at the Lawal Hussaini Dutsin-Ma Nurses’ House, NANNM expressed frustration over the government’s failure to meet their demands, including robust 24/7 security in high-risk areas, better remuneration, and urgent efforts to secure Nr. Mairuwa’s release.
“This is not just about Nr. Mairuwa,” said Nr. Idris Bello Idris, NANNM’s State Secretary. “Our colleagues have faced relentless attacks. Some have been killed, maimed, or impoverished paying ransoms. How can we save lives when our own are in constant danger?”
The association called on the government to act decisively to protect health workers and ensure their safe return to duty, warning that the withdrawal of services could severely impact healthcare delivery in areas like Kankara, Batsari, Danmusa, and Jibia.
For now, as the clock ticks toward Thursday’s midnight deadline, Katsina’s health sector hangs in the balance.
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