The Kebbi State Government has constituted a special committee to investigate the controversial death of two children at the General Hospital in Zuru.
The state governor, Nasir Idris, approved the panel following rising public concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly allegations that the children died after receiving a wrongful injection.
The decision was conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi by the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Tafida.
According to the statement, the committee will be chaired by the Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Ahmed, with the Commissioners for Health, Sama’ila Augie and Establishment, Manu Dogondaji, serving as members.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Zaki Abubakar Zaki, will act as secretary.
“The committee is expected to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the unfortunate incident, establish the immediate and remote causes of the deaths, and recommend appropriate measures, including sanctions where necessary,” Tafida said.
He added that the government would not tolerate negligence within its healthcare system and that anyone found culpable would be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The panel has been mandated to unravel both the immediate and remote causes of the deaths, identify individuals directly or indirectly linked to the incident and determine the validity of claims that the children, reportedly from the same father, were victims of a wrongly administered injection.
It is also expected to assign responsibility where necessary and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The government has given the committee a one-week deadline to submit its findings and directed members to commence work immediately.
The incident, which reportedly occurred earlier this week at the General Hospital in Zuru, has sparked outrage within the community, with residents and family members demanding a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased children.
Allegations circulating among locals suggest that the children fell critically ill shortly after being administered an injection at the facility, raising serious concerns about medical procedures and supervision at the hospital.
Zuru, a major town in southern Kebbi, serves as a referral hub for surrounding communities, making the General Hospital a critical healthcare provider in the area.
Although health authorities are yet to confirm the exact cause of death, the swift intervention by the state government is seen as an effort to calm tensions and reassure the public of its commitment to accountability and improved healthcare standards.
The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether negligence or malpractice played a role and could lead to disciplinary or legal action against those found culpable.
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