Kebbi Govt engages police, DSS in probe of Zuru Hospital children’s deaths

2026-03-20 - 07:43

By Victor Ahiuma-Young The Kebbi State Government has expanded its investigation into the tragic deaths of two children at the General Hospital, Zuru, by involving security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). The development was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, who said the move is aimed at ensuring a thorough, transparent, and credible probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the statement, the investigative panel has been mandated to examine allegations that the victims—two children from the same father—were administered a fatal injection, a claim that has heightened public concern. Governor Nasir Idris had earlier constituted the committee following reports of the deaths, which sparked allegations of medical negligence. To strengthen the probe, the government approved the inclusion of additional members, including Dr. Lawal Haruna, Director of Inspectorate; Abdulwalid Kilani, State Chairman of NNMC; and Hantsi Garba, Director of Nursing Services and NNMC representative in Kebbi State. The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Ahmed, and also includes the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Sama’ila Augie; the Commissioner for Establishment, Manu Dogondaji; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Zaki, who serves as secretary. With the inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS, the panel is expected to intensify efforts to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the deaths, as well as identify any individuals connected to the incident. The government said the committee would also recommend measures to prevent a recurrence, reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, and improved standards in the health sector. The panel has been directed to continue its work and submit its findings within the stipulated timeframe.