News
Abuja Explosion Victims Cry Out Over Delayed Treatment, Poor Services At National Hospitall
…say ‘we were left to sit on bare floor without attention
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Victims of the recent explosion in Abuja have expressed frustration over the poor services at the National Hospital in Abuja, the nation’s capital, calling for immediate action.
During a visit to the hospital on Thursday, media observed distressing scenes, with some patients sitting on the floor, their bodies covered in wounds and bandages.
Victims who spoke to the media revealed that many of them were not attended to until the early hours of the following day, with some claiming they were discharged without receiving proper treatment.
They lamented being left to sit on the floor for hours.
“We waited for hours without any care. It wasn’t until around 4 a.m. the next day that some of us were finally seen by medical staff,” one victim lamented.
Others criticised the hospital’s lack of adequate facilities and personnel, highlighting the dire conditions they endured.
“This is supposed to be one of the best hospitals in the country, but the reality is far from it. We were treated poorly, and some of us were sent home even though we needed further medical attention,” another patient said.
The family of a patient receiving medical treatment has expressed deep concerns over the rising costs of drugs and healthcare expenses, lamenting the financial burden placed on them while caring for their loved one.
Speaking to SaharaReporters, a relative of the patient described the overwhelming strain of purchasing necessary medications, which they say has drained their savings.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure our loved one gets the best care, but the cost of treatment is becoming unbearable,” they said.
The family called on authorities to address the high cost of essential medicines, urging more subsidies or assistance programmes to support patients and their caregivers.
A hospital official told SaharaReporters that some patients at the hospital experienced delays in receiving medical attention because doctors prioritised those with severe injuries.
According to hospital authorities, individuals with minor injuries were discharged to free up space for those in critical condition.
“Some patients were not attended to in a timely manner because others had major injuries that required urgent care,” the official said.
Officials reassured the public that those discharged did not have serious injuries and were stable enough to leave. Meanwhile, the hospital continues to manage patient influx and provide necessary treatment to those in need.
Efforts to get a reaction from Muhammad Gidado Adamu, the Senior Public Relations Officer at the National Hospital Abuja, proved unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced that he has taken responsibility for the medical bills of victims involved in a tragic road accident in Karu.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said he immediately instructed the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, to ensure prompt medical attention for the victims.
“On my directive, Dr. Fasawe was at Asokoro District Hospital throughout the night, working alongside medical personnel attending to the 17 casualties brought in,” Wike stated.
According to the minister, seven of the victims were later transferred to the National Hospital, while six with minor injuries were successfully treated. Three others with severe burns and crush injuries remain under medical care, though one of them, who suffered third-degree burns, succumbed despite resuscitation efforts.
Wike used the opportunity to urge road users, particularly heavy-duty vehicle drivers, to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic rules to prevent similar tragedies.
“It is painful that precious lives were lost, and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided,” he lamented.
He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to enforce road safety regulations and ensure strict compliance
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah, on Friday, characterized the creation of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK) in Kaduna State as a divine tool for fostering growth and development within the region.
Kukah expressed this viewpoint in Abuja at the inauguration ceremony for the university’s Governing Council and Principal Officers.
The event was led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who appointed Kukah as the Chairman of the Governing Council.
He committed to making every effort to promote the advancement of the university.
In his remarks, Kukah stated: “The establishment of this university is a realisation of God’s intervention.
“Nigeria may have its own challenges and will continue to have them.
“But I can assure you, Mr Minister, that 60 per cent of the problems in Southern Kaduna have now been solved with the establishment of this university.
“We will not look back—because if God wanted us to, He would have given us an eye at the back of our heads.
“We hold no bitterness. Despite everything, we remain one of the most educated regions in Northern Nigeria.
“Today, Southern Kaduna has no fewer than 200 professors.
“The education we have received, which has brought us this far, is the same education that I personally benefited from, thanks to the missionaries.
“By locating this University of Applied Sciences here, you have given us the tools we need to move forward.”
At the inauguration, Alausa remarked that the founding of the university is a component of extensive educational reforms designed to enhance technical and vocational training.
He noted that the initiative aims to bolster STEM education, decrease the number of children not attending school, and encourage education for girls.
He elaborated that the university will provide advanced courses in applied sciences and mentioned intentions to establish a College of Medicine.
The minister underscored that the establishment of the university is a purposeful initiative to foster development in Southern Kaduna and to advance equity and justice throughout Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Education will provide maximum support. We are working tirelessly to ensure this institution starts on the right footing.
” We have already written to JAMB to include the university in its admission portal for student applications.
“The resource verification process is underway, and I recently discussed it with the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“NUC visitation to the university is scheduled for April 7. Once completed, we will finalise all necessary processes at the Federal Ministry of Education,” the Minister noted.
Alausa further indicated that the university would provide programs in applied sciences, chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, and medical sciences.
In response, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa assured that sufficient security measures would be implemented for the university.
He also expressed optimism that the institution would evolve into a centre of excellence that promotes unity among all Nigerians in the region.
It is important to note that President Bola Tinubu mandated the conversion of Nok University in Kachia into a Federal University following its acquisition by the Federal Government.
This directive from Tinubu came after a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that finalized the forfeiture of the privately-owned Nok University to the Federal Government.
The private institution has been renamed FUAS, Kachia, in Kaduna State, fulfilling a commitment made by President Tinubu to the residents of Southern Kaduna.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had transferred the institution’s properties and assets to the federal government.
Recall that President Tinubu, on Monday, appointed Bishop Kukah as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of FUASK in Kaduna State.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigeria zoomed into their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win in Rwanda on Friday night.
Victor Osimhen continued his hot streak in front of goal with a brace in the first half.
The player who has shone this season for Galatasaray opened the scoring with a side-footed finish from Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.
Osimhen scored another goal after stealing the ball on the halfway line and dinking it over the goalkeeper.
The result takes Chelle’s men up to third place in the group, following South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho.
The encounter was the Super Eagles first game under new head coach, Eric Chelle.
Meanwhile, the three-time African champions will face Zimbabwe next on Tuesday.
Director General of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, CCLCA, Dr Gabriel Nwambu vividly explained why President Bola Tinubu declared State of Emergency in troubled Rivers State.
Dr Nwambu who spoke on behalf of a coalition of 21 CSOs at a press briefing on Friday left no one in doubt in this video after explaining merits of the Emergency Rule in Rivers State.
WATCH:
Bishop Kukah Inaugurated As Chairman Of Southern Kaduna University
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