By Our Reporter
Residents of Saki, in the Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State, particularly those living near Almusharaf Hospital in Oke Sunah, are on edge following the deaths of a doctor and three nurses within just 72 hours.
The unsettling series of events began when a nurse at the hospital died three days ago. Then, between Tuesday and yesterday, the doctor and two other nurses also passed away under mysterious circumstances.
A local resident, Mr. Adekunle Lawal, told Vanguard, “Three days ago, one nurse died, then on Monday another nurse passed away, and just yesterday, the doctor and another nurse died.”
He expressed concern about the cause of the deaths, adding, “We’re scared because we don’t know what caused it. The doctor is unlicensed, and perhaps they all treated a patient with a contagious disease that wasn’t handled properly.”
The hospital, which performs minor surgeries and occasionally brings in outside doctors, has raised suspicions among residents. Mr. Lawal continued, “If it were a contagious disease, why haven’t any of the patients died? Only the hospital staff are affected. Some are even speculating it could be food poisoning—maybe one of them ate something that was shared with the others. But these are just assumptions. We need an autopsy to determine the cause.”
The deceased have already been buried, as they were Muslim. Mr. Lawal urged the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to intervene swiftly.
Another local resident, Mr. Adeola Fehintola, a legal practitioner, echoed the call for an investigation. “Saki is close to the borders. It’s possible someone with a contagious disease recently entered the area. Those responsible for surveillance need to act quickly to uncover the true cause of these deaths. My people are worried, and we need answers.” @ Vanguard