Three health workers suspended after surgical error kills young mother

Shock and outrage have rippled across Kano State following the suspension of three medical personnel over a tragic surgical error that led to the death of a young mother at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre.

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board confirmed that a pair of surgical scissors was mistakenly left inside the body of the patient, Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, during a medical procedure.

Umar later died on January 11, 2026, an incident that has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debate over patient safety and accountability in Nigeria’s public health system.

According to available reports, Umar underwent surgery at the urology centre in September 2025.

Shortly after the operation, her health reportedly began to deteriorate. Family members said she complained repeatedly of persistent pain and discomfort, prompting several return visits to the hospital.

Despite undergoing multiple medical tests and scans over the following weeks, the cause of her condition was not immediately identified. It was only after further examinations that doctors reportedly discovered a forgotten surgical instrument lodged in her abdomen.

By the time corrective steps were taken, her condition had worsened, and she eventually passed away in January.

READ ALSO: FG allocates N300bn to boost power supply in teaching hospitals and universities

The case drew limited attention initially but gained national prominence after a relative of the deceased shared details of the incident on social media.

The post quickly went viral, triggering an outpouring of grief, anger and demands for justice from Nigerians who described the incident as a glaring example of medical negligence.

In response to the public backlash, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board ordered an internal investigation into the matter.

In a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, the management confirmed that preliminary findings validated the claims made by the family.

The statement disclosed that the investigation was instituted on the directive of the Executive Secretary of the board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, and that it established that surgical scissors were indeed left inside the patient’s body after the operation.

“As a result of this finding, three medical personnel directly involved in the surgery have been suspended from clinical duties with immediate effect,” the statement said.

The board further announced that the case has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for a more comprehensive probe.

The committee is expected to review the conduct of the medical team involved and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures in line with professional ethics and existing laws. Officials indicated that additional sanctions could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.

“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathises with them over this painful loss. We reassure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement added, stressing that patient safety protocols must be strictly adhered to in all state-owned health facilities.

The incident has since become a focal point in broader conversations about healthcare standards, medical oversight and accountability in Nigeria.

 Civil society organisations and health advocates have called on the state government to ensure transparency throughout the investigation, arguing that a credible process and clear sanctions are necessary to restore public confidence in government hospitals.