Public outrage has erupted in Kano following the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, after what her family alleges was a grave case of medical negligence at a public health facility in the state.
The incident was brought to public attention on Tuesday through a post shared on X by renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, quoting a detailed account from Abubakar Muhammed, the deceased’s brother-in-law. According to the account, Aishatu Umar passed away around 1:00 a.m. after months of severe abdominal pain following a surgical procedure carried out in September at the Abubakar Imam Urology Center in Kano.
Muhammed explained that after the surgery, Aishatu repeatedly returned to the hospital complaining of persistent and worsening pain. However, she was allegedly treated only with pain relievers for about four months, without comprehensive diagnostic investigations.
It was only two days before her death, the family said, that detailed tests and scans were finally conducted. The results reportedly revealed that a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her body during the initial operation. Plans were made for corrective surgery, but her condition deteriorated rapidly before the procedure could be performed.
“She suffered in pain for months,” the statement read, adding that the discovery came too late to save her life. Aishatu is survived by her husband and five children.
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The family has described the incident as “pure negligence” and called on the Kano State Government and relevant health regulatory authorities to launch a thorough investigation and ensure accountability.
While acknowledging religious beliefs about destiny, the family questioned how such an error could occur in a professional medical setting, warning that incidents like this undermine public trust in the healthcare system.
As of the time of reporting, the Kano State Government and the management of the Abubakar Imam Urology Center had not issued an official response. Calls for justice and stricter oversight of medical practices continue to grow on social media, with many Nigerians demanding reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.