Bandits early Tuesday invaded the General Abdulsalami Abubakar General Hospital in Gulu Lapai local government area of Niger State killing two persons, taking a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, patients and their relatives hostage.
The bandits gained access into the hospital premises around 2.30am shooting sporadically, two persons were hit by bullets in the process. They then capture staff and patients of the hospital. Those taken hostage include Head of Clinical Services, Doctor John, Head of Hematology, Usman Zabbo, medical laboratory unit staff, Awaisu Bida.
Others include the head of nursing services, his wife and daughters, the wife of the chief pharmacist and his wife and daughter. It was gathered that members of the community have fled seeking shelter in other towns.
“This is one of the most devastating experiences,” said a medic who escaped the hospital siege.
“To be honest with you, Gulu General Hospital has collapsed because we cannot stay here any longer. Every staff member on duty last night was taken. They just left a few patients whose cases were severe. This is heartless.”
Niger State Police PRO Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the development saying the police are investigating the attack and also trying to get the actual number of persons that were taken by the bandits.
