I read with utter dismay the news of the avoidable death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, the Arise TV anchor in Abuja, killed as a result of negligence by health workers after her near-death scare with armed robbers yesterday. This is one too many. Her death once again shows that Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, is under siege.
For months, we have read reports of daylight robbery, one-chance drivers, kidnapping, and terrorism in the very heart of the nation. Just a few days ago, it was reported that an operational vehicle belonging to the Police Force was stolen at the Force Headquarters. Although the police may deny it, such news is frightening. The Yorubas have a saying: “When armed robbers steal from the DPO’s house, who will he report to?” This captures the insecurity in Abuja and makes a mockery of any government claim of fixing it.
It is pathetic that under a government that promised to safeguard lives and properties, our best and brightest minds are dying. Meanwhile, the government appears helpless. Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary responsibility of every government.” Sadly, this duty has failed.
Even more disturbing is that the Minister of the Capital Territory seems more obsessed with media appearances than with addressing insecurity. Somtochukwu’s death proves that government inaction has emboldened criminals and undermined national security. The minister appears oblivious of the tense situation in Abuja, which has now cost the country another promising life.
It is really troubling that the hospital refused to treat Somtochukwu because her identity could not be certified. This exposes the unprofessionalism of some health workers. Meanwhile, medical professionals are meant to save lives first. Yet, the conduct of the hospital staff has left a harrowing scar on her family.
There are no reports that Somtochukwu was a victim of a gunshot, which could have justified hesitation. Even if that were the case, the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act, 2017, mandates hospitals to treat gunshot victims without a police report. Refusing her treatment simply because her identity was not confirmed shows that the sanctity of life means little to those workers. Section 4(2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act only requires hospitals to notify police after treatment, not before. Life must come first.
Clearly, the hospital is culpable. Their refusal violated Section 20 of the National Health Act, 2014, which states that “a health care provider shall not refuse a person emergency treatment for any reason. An offender is liable to a fine of N100,000, a jail term of six months or both.” This was also a violation of her constitutional right to life as provided for in Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Legal sanctions must follow, to remind doctors of the Hippocratic Oath they swore.
Beyond this, Nigeria needs urgent police reform. The Police Force has about 371,000 officers for a population of 231 million. Unfortunately, 150,000 are already assigned to VIPs and private individuals. This leaves the public dangerously exposed and vulnerable. This imbalance must be corrected through the redeployment of officers from VIP protection to public safety. More recruitment is also necessary.
To enhance security, the government must also invest in technology such as drones, surveillance cameras, and intelligence systems. Without these steps, the country risks further descent into chaos.
Somtochukwu’s tragic death exposes two failures: insecurity and medical negligence. Both are unacceptable. The government’s weakness has emboldened criminals, while hospitals that should save lives have become obstacles. The situation demands urgent, decisive action, not some excuses or empty rhetoric.
Enough is enough.
