Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH), the largest state-owned healthcare facility in Kano, is grappling with rising insecurity, leaving patients, staff, and visitors vulnerable to criminals.

Recent reports indicate a disturbing surge in phone snatchings, armed robberies, and violent attacks around the hospital, raising serious concerns about safety in the area.

Hoodlums Turn MMSH into a Danger Zone

A growing presence of hoodlums near the hospital has made the environment unsafe. A social media post by one Ahmed Deedat highlights the alarming situation, lamenting how criminal activities have escalated daily, making hospital workers and visitors easy targets for phone snatchers and armed robbers.

Recently, a midwife at MMSH fell victim to a violent phone-snatching attack, leaving her injured. Similar incidents have been reported, with criminals preying on hospital workers and patients' relatives, snatching phones, bags, and valuables—often at knifepoint.

In one shocking incident last year, a doctor was threatened while attending to patients at her desk. In another case, a nurse had to hide under a patient’s bed to evade attackers. These terrifying episodes underline the urgent need for improved security measures in and around the hospital.

Fear Looms as Criminals Operate Without Restraint

Despite efforts by the hospital management to enhance security within its premises, the real problem lies beyond its walls. The surrounding areas have become danger zones, putting healthcare workers at constant risk. According to a hospital source who spoke anonymously, the majority of these crimes occur outside the facility.

“Recently, some thugs attacked one of our staff members, Dogara, snatched his phone, and even injured him with a machete. Even doctors aren’t spared—Dr. Fatima was robbed of her phone after a night shift,” the source revealed.

With dusk comes heightened anxiety. “Nowadays, once it gets dark, everyone is on edge, fearing for their safety,” the source added.

Authorities Silent Amid Rising Threats

Efforts to reach the Kano State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, for comments were unsuccessful, as multiple calls went unanswered. Similarly, DAILY POST attempted to contact the Chairman of the Kano State Anti-Phone Snatching Committee, Retired General Gambo Ahmed Mai’adua, but he was unreachable.

The escalating insecurity in Kano is not new. In 2023, numerous lives were lost to phone snatchers, prompting the Kano State Government to declare a state of emergency on phone-snatching in July 2023. A special task force, comprising the police, military, NSCDC, and vigilante groups, was formed to combat the menace, but the situation remains dire.

Security Expert Shares Safety Tips

Retired Captain Abdullahi Bakoji, a security analyst based in Kano, has provided safety measures to help residents avoid falling victim to phone snatchers. He advises people to:

• Avoid using phones while walking, especially at night.
• Refrain from getting into unfamiliar vehicles.
• Steer clear of areas notorious for phone snatching.

As insecurity continues to plague MMSH and its surroundings, urgent intervention is needed to safeguard healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. The government and security agencies must act swiftly to restore order and protect lives before the situation worsens further.

Stay updated with the latest news—subscribe to our alerts!