Unidentified gunmen, believed to be bandits, launched a violent attack on the General Hospital in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, leaving one medical doctor injured and five other hospital staff members kidnapped.
The attack was confirmed in a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, who stated that the doctor was wounded in the assault and is currently receiving medical care. Aliyu also revealed that the police are intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the abducted hospital workers.
The authorities are actively investigating the attack, which has left the local community shaken and raised further concerns about rising insecurity in the region.
“On January 14, 2025, at about 2020 hrs, some suspected armed bandits, armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles and shooting sporadically, attacked Kankara General Hospital.
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“Upon receiving the report, the DPO of Kankara Divisional Police Headquarters promptly mobilized and responded to the scene, where a gun duel ensued, resulting in the foiling of the attack.
“Unfortunately, two persons were shot and injured during the attack. Dr. Murtala Saleh, a 30-year-old doctor at the hospital, was shot and injured in the right thigh, while Kamala Suleiman, a 20-year-old, was injured in the knee. Both victims are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.
“Additionally, three persons were kidnapped by the bandits. Efforts are being made to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims as well as the arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act,” he said.
He stated that the State Police Commissioner, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, has strongly condemned the attack on healthcare workers and facilities.
In response, Musa has directed the deployment of additional operational resources to the area to bolster security and intensify the manhunt for the attackers.
