“Surgical Scissors Were Mistakenly Left Inside Her After Surgery,” Kano Hospital Confirms Medical Negligence in Death of Mother of Five

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has acknowledged that medical negligence contributed to the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, said a preliminary investigation revealed that surgical scissors were accidentally left inside Umar’s body during an operation.

“The preliminary findings of the investigation ordered by the Executive Secretary, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, confirmed that surgical scissors were left inside the patient after the procedure,” Suleiman stated.

The Board has suspended three hospital staff involved in the surgery pending further investigation. The case has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for a full review and potential disciplinary action under professional and legal standards.

“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and assures the public that negligence will not be tolerated in any form,” Suleiman added.

Umar’s husband, Abubakar Muhammad, said his wife began experiencing severe pain shortly after the surgery. Despite multiple follow-up visits, her condition worsened until she passed away.

The incident has prompted public outrage across Kano State, with residents and social media users calling for accountability and urgent reforms to prevent similar occurrences in public hospitals. Civil society groups have urged the state government to ensure that those responsible face appropriate consequences and that patient safety remains a priority.