In recent times, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH) in Kano, one of the largest healthcare facilities in the state, has become a hotspot for criminal activities, raising serious concerns among patients, hospital staff, and visitors.
Reports indicate that the presence of hoodlums around the hospital has grown significantly, making people vulnerable to phone snatching, robbery, and even violent attacks.
Health Workers and Patients Under Attack
One of the recent victims was a midwife working at the hospital, who was attacked and injured while her phone was snatched.
Medical doctors, nurses, and hospital visitors have also been targeted by criminal gangs, some of whom operate with knives and machetes.
- A doctor was once threatened while attending to a patient at her desk.
- A nurse had to crawl under a patient’s bed to escape an attack.
- A staff member, identified as Dogara, was injured with a machete after his phone was stolen.
- A female doctor, Dr. Fatima, was robbed after a night shift.
The growing insecurity has forced many workers to leave the hospital before dark, fearing for their safety.
Security Measures Not Enough
Despite efforts by the hospital management to improve security within its premises, the main danger lies outside the hospital walls.
Criminals lurk around, waiting to strike especially in the evenings and at night.
One hospital source stated,
“Nowadays, once it gets dark, anyone with a phone becomes a target. People just want to get home safely.”
Police and Government Response
Attempts to reach Kano State Police spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, for comments were unsuccessful.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Kano State Anti-Phone Snatching Committee, retired General Gambo Ahmed Mai’adua, could not be reached.
However, the Kano State Government had previously declared a state of emergency on phone-snatching in 2023, forming a committee with the police, military, NSCDC, and vigilante groups to combat the menace.
How to Stay Safe from Phone Snatchers
Security expert, retired Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, advises the public to:
- Avoid using phones while walking, especially at night.
- Avoid entering vehicles from strangers or untrusted sources.
- Stay away from known crime-prone areas.
With the escalating security crisis around MMSH, there is an urgent call for increased police patrols and government intervention to protect patients, medical personnel, and visitors.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for updates on this developing story.
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