“Katsina Nurses and Midwives Threaten Strike Over Insecurity and Rising Attacks on Health Workers”

In a bold move to protest the alarming insecurity plaguing Katsina State, the Nigerian Stories platform announced on its official X handle that nurses and midwives in the state have resolved to withdraw their services from hospitals situated in security-prone local government areas. This decision stems from the relentless wave of killings and abductions targeting healthcare workers, which has left the medical community in a state of despair.

The nurses and midwives, who are critical to the state’s healthcare delivery, cited the incessant threats to their lives and the government’s apparent inability to provide adequate security for health personnel as key reasons for their decision. Reports indicate that several healthcare workers have been abducted, while others have lost their lives in violent attacks, particularly in remote and underserved council areas.

The withdrawal of services is expected to severely impact access to healthcare in the affected regions, where medical professionals are already in short supply. It has sparked widespread concern among residents, who fear a collapse of essential healthcare services amidst growing insecurity.

Healthcare unions in the state have reportedly issued a statement urging the government to urgently address the security situation. They emphasized that the safety of health workers must be prioritized if they are to continue their noble duties of saving lives in high-risk areas.

“This is not a decision we take lightly,” one union leader reportedly stated. “Our members are risking their lives daily to provide care, but we cannot continue to work under these life-threatening conditions.”

The call for action has put additional pressure on the Katsina State government to tackle the deteriorating security landscape, which has been characterized by banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on vulnerable communities.

As the nurses and midwives prepare to take a stand, questions are being raised about the long-term impact of this move on an already fragile healthcare system. Meanwhile, stakeholders are urging swift intervention to restore confidence and ensure the safety of those on the frontlines of healthcare.

The situation remains tense, with many hoping that meaningful dialogue between healthcare workers and the government will avert a complete withdrawal of services and prevent further loss of lives in the state.