BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—Two nurses have been detained over their alleged involvement in the deaths of two young sisters at the General Hospital in Zuru, Kebbi State, following a suspected medication error.
The girls, aged six and three, reportedly died on March 18 under circumstances believed to be linked to negligence during their treatment. The suspects are currently being held by police in Birnin Kebbi while investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the incident.
In response, the Kebbi State Government has set up a nine-member investigative panel led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed. The panel has already begun hearings in Zuru.
As part of its response, the state government also provided ₦10 million to the grieving family as a gesture of support. Speaking at the Emir’s Palace in Zuru during the presentation, Ahmed emphasized that the donation was intended to help the family cope with their loss.
“This donation is meant to support the family during this painful time. It cannot replace the lives lost,” he said, adding that no amount of money could make up for such a tragedy, but the gesture was to show the family they are not alone.
The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi Mikailu Sami, urged the family to remain steadfast in faith and accept the incident as the will of God. He also praised Governor Nasir Idris for his prompt intervention, describing it as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to justice.
The monarch further called on healthcare workers to maintain high professional standards, stressing that negligence in the health sector is unacceptable. He emphasized the importance of continuous training and retraining for medical personnel.
On behalf of the family, Barrister Garba Shehu expressed appreciation to the state government for its support and for initiating a thorough investigation to prevent a recurrence. While acknowledging their grief, he noted that the family finds some comfort in their faith.
During the panel’s ongoing sittings, several medical staff, including senior doctors and nurses who were on duty at the time, have testified and undergone cross-examination. The parents of the deceased, led by their father, Ibrahim Abdullahi Shuni, along with other relatives, also recounted the events surrounding the deaths.
The panel has additionally engaged hospital staff, where concerns about poor communication among personnel were highlighted as a key issue needing urgent attention.
