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Health Care in Part of Zamfara in Jeopardy as MSF Vacate with Resumption of Hostilities
Health Care in Part of Zamfara in Jeopardy as MSF Vacate with Resumption of Hostilities
By: Michael Mike
Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors Without Borders has vacated part of Zamfara State due to renewed armed confrontation in the state.
The institution in a statement on Friday said continuous heavy fighting has been taking place in Zurmi town since 10 December, with some of the confrontations occurring dangerously close to a hospital supported by Médecins sans Frontières (MSF).
It decried that these armed clashes have provoked the displacement of thousands of people in need of security, shelter and access to basic services, but insisted that humanitarian support is needed to help those in dire need of assistance.
The statement revealed that faced with important security risks, MSF medical teams on the ground had to evacuate part of its staff and are unable to function optimally, having to suspend the provision of healthcare to communities outside of the town, noting that in this context, the team is concerned about patients in need of medical treatment as they are unable to reach the hospital in a safe manner.
MSF deputy field coordinator in Zurmi, Adjide Hermann, was quoted in the statement to have said: “Some of the patients refuse to leave the hospital out of fear” while explaining that “we had no choice but to reduce part of our team, and the staffs who are still working at the hospital are afraid of what is going to happen next”.
MSF country representative, Dr. Simba Tirima, expressed deep concern, stating that: “This situation is untenable; we urgently appeal to the parties involved in the conflict to cease their hostilities to protect the population. This is also crucial to safeguard the medical mission and to maintain the safety of patients and medical staff”.
The statement said while the hostilities continue, sick and wounded patients are those facing greatest humanitarian and health needs as they struggle to access healthcare. The December spike in extreme violence, including killings and kidnappings, comes within a wider context of insecurity in Zamfara state, noting that the ongoing level of insecurity has forced the displacement of thousands of people. In Zurmi, most of these people are forced to live in unsanitary conditions, in two unofficial camps and schools serving as temporary shelters.
According to the statement with violent clashes taking place a few meters from the hospital compound on the 11 December, MSF was no longer able to guarantee the safety of patients or staff.
Herman said: “There was intense crossfire, we saw cars set on fire. Our team had to seek shelter in the hospital for a long time,” adding that only two days later, a second attack obliged the team to sleep in the security room inside the hospital.
Dr. Tirima added that: “Our teams are committed to provide medical support to Nigerian population in Zamfara state, we will do our best to maintain the operations, but we wish to see improvements in the security situation to be able to provide the appropriate medical care.”
In recent years, northwest Nigeria has been hit by an unprecedented wave of kidnappings, killings, displacements, and disruption of socio-economic activities due to the rise of armed bandits in the region.
In 2023, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, MSF teams carried out 448 surgical interventions, provided 700 emergency consultations and assisted 5,674 deliveries in the General hospital in Zurmi. MSF also implements activities in the Shinkafi general hospital, and in Talata Mafara and Gummi with pediatric units and malnutrition centers.
Health Care in Part of Zamfara in Jeopardy as MSF Vacate with Resumption of Hostilities
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, have repelled suspected terrorists during an ambush operation along the Marte–Dikwa axis of Borno.
Security sources said the encounter occurred late on March 13 when troops of the 50 Task Force Battalion under the 24 Task Force Brigade, in conjunction with personnel of the 134 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, laid an ambush along the main supply route between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State.
According to the sources, the troops made contact with a group of terrorists moving on bicycles at about 10:15 p.m.
The troops immediately engaged the insurgents forcing them to withdraw into nearby bushes.
During exploitation of the area, the troops recovered the corpse of one suspected terrorist, four bicycles and other sundry items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
The Vice President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki, has hailed the appointment of Nigeria’s foremost table tennis administrator, Wahid Oshodi to the Board of World Table Tennis (WTT).
Hon. Mailantarki described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” noting that Oshodi’s elevation to the game’s apex commercial body is a testament to his track record of excellence.
Oshodi, who is the current President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was appointed as a Director to represent the ITTF on the WTT Board alongside ITTF President Petra Sörling.
“This is a proud moment for Nigeria and a victory for the African continent,” Mailantarki stated.
“Barrister Oshodi has risen through the ranks from the national level to the continental stage with a vision that has transformed the sport.
“Having him as a decision-maker at the highest level of World Table Tennis ensures that African interests are well-represented.”
The NTTF Vice President further congratulated the Nigerian sports community, emphasizing that Oshodi’s presence in the WTT inner circle will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth and commercialization of the game globally.
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Troops ambush terrorist group, recover bicycles in Marte–Dikwa axis
Oshodi will represent Africa’s interest at WTT, says Mailantarki
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
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