Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings

By: Lazarus Balami

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has recently faced concerns regarding the allegedly restricted access of patients’ relatives to hospital wards due to security issues.

Earlier reports, including one by Zagazola Makama, have suggested that the gates at the hospital have been closed to limit entry. 

NEWSng, however, reports that this summary of the situation does not fully represent the complexities involved that informed the measures taken. 

The primary reason for these measures relates to rising security incidents within the hospital. It has been reported that thieves, posing as patients’ relatives, have managed to gain unauthorized access to the wards and steal phones and other valuables of patients and their relatives. 

These individuals have exploited the vulnerabilities in the hospital’s entry protocols to commit theft and other illegal activities. 

Such incidents have understandably raised alarm among hospital management and staff, prompting them to take action to ensure the safety of all patients and visitors.

Another source from the hospital confirmed that it was in response to these security breaches that the hospital security team took a proactive measure.

They have implemented stricter security measures, including monitoring the entrances more closely and conducting regular patrols within the hospital premises. 

The situation has improved after security personnel apprehended several suspects involved in these criminal activities. 

These individuals were handed over to the Gwange Police Station for further investigation and legal action.” The source said. 

NEWSng reports that the actions taken by the security team demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to not only providing medical care but also ensuring a safe environment for its patients and their families. 

 It is, therefore, crucial to clarify that access to wards has not been entirely closed off. The hospital continues to prioritize patient care and recognizes the importance of having family members present to support their loved ones. 

Security measures are designed not to alienate relatives but to protect them and the hospital community. Procedures may be more stringent, but they aim to safeguard both patients and visitors from potential harm.

Communication is vital in these situations. The media should seek clarity of information before reaching out to the public.

The hospital administration is also doing the necessary to ensure that information reaches the public effectively, alleviating concerns about restricted access.

Transparent communication can help foster understanding among relatives, patients, and hospital staff, thereby reinforcing trust. 

Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings

Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation MESA have intercepted nine suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State.

Sources who confirmed the developments to Zagazola said the interception took place on Sept. 11 at about 6:00 a.m. when Op-MESA Team 9, led by ASP Vincent Ohilebo, was on duty at the Laderin pin-down point near the Immigration office.

“The nine intercepted persons, all male, confessed to being illegal immigrants.

“They were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service through its officer, Prince Omotola Adefemi, for necessary action,” said the sources.

The sources added that security agencies remained on alert to check the influx of irregular migrants into the state.

Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun

Security forces restore calm after farmers, herders clash in Kwali, Abuja

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces have restored calm in Dadu community, Kwali Area Council, following a clash between farmers and herders on Friday.

Sources told Zagazola that the clash erupted after cattle allegedly destroyed a beneseed farm belonging to one Yunana Garba.

It said preliminary investigation revealed that while Garba’s son, Yunana Naroka, was chasing the cattle out of the farm, he was macheted on the head, while his father was struck on the neck with a grazing stick.

The sources added that a Fulani woman, identified as Amina Abdullahi, sustained a machete injury on her palm during the altercation.

According to the sources, the victims were rushed to Goje Clinic, Ijah, and Abu Fatima Hospital, Kwali, for medical attention and are reported to be in stable condition.

The sources said a combined team of Army, police, DSS operatives, and local vigilantes was immediately deployed to the area to restore order.

The sources added that the situation had been brought under control and normalcy restored, while investigation into the incident was ongoing.

Security forces restore calm after farmers, herders clash in Kwali, Abuja