Bandits Demand N540 Million Ransom for Katsina Hospital Staff Abducted in Attack
Bandits have placed a N540 million ransom on the victims abducted from a General Hospital in Kankara Local Government Area, Katsina State, earlier this week. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, January 21, left a medical doctor and one other individual injured by gunshots.
Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire, a medical professional at the hospital, sustained a gunshot wound during the assault, in which several staff members were kidnapped. Among the abducted is Yusuf Muhammad Mairuwa, an Assistant Director of Nursing Services and head of the hospital’s nursing section.
Sources report that the attackers have demanded N270 million for the release of Mairuwa, while another N270 million has been requested for the release of the remaining staff members, along with workers from a nearby fertilizer factory who were also kidnapped during the raid.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State expressed his concerns, emphasizing the importance of protecting medical professionals. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Governor said:
“We are restrategizing our security approach to ensure that our medical professionals can perform their vital duties without fear. The safety of our healthcare workers and residents remains our paramount concern.”
