Kehinde Fajobi
The Katsina State Council of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has announced the withdrawal of its members from hospitals in frontline and vulnerable areas due to escalating insecurity.
The decision, effective from Thursday, 30th January 2025, follows the abduction of Nurse Yusuf Mai-Ruwa at the General Hospital Kankara on 15th January 2025.
Nura Mu’azu, Chairman of NANNM, made the declaration during a press briefing on Tuesday, titled “Health Worker You Are On Your Own.”
The association condemned the ongoing insecurity and demanded immediate action from the state government to ensure the safe release of Nurse Mai-Ruwa and other captives.
“We have been calling for the provision of security in the hospitals for years,” Mu’azu said. “The situation has worsened, and we can no longer continue to work under these conditions.”
The abduction of Nurse Mai-Ruwa, a respected and dedicated healthcare worker, has intensified fears among frontline staff.
His family has been reportedly demanded to pay a ransom of N270 million for his release, a sum the association described as unrealistic given the low wages of health workers in the state.
The association has also called for the implementation of 24/7 security in hospitals located in Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Jibia, Dutsin-ma, Musawa, Malumfashi, Funtua, and Batagarawa.
They also seek compensation for members affected by insecurity while on duty.
Mu’azu further noted, “Nurse Mai-Ruwa is a family man, with a wife and children whose means of livelihood, peace of mind, and future were abruptly truncated.”
While commending the Katsina State Government for its efforts in health and security, the association emphasised that more needs to be done to protect healthcare workers.
They also urged the government to address the low remuneration and manpower shortage in the state’s health sector.
“Hazard allowance is just N5,000 monthly, and we are receiving one of the lowest remuneration packages in Nigeria,” Mu’azu said. “This has led to a mass exodus of health workers seeking better pay elsewhere.”
The nurses and midwives warned that they would only return to their duties once their demands were met and the safety of healthcare workers is assured.