Zuru hospital death case sees police detain suspects as Kebbi launches probe into sisters’ deaths over alleged wrong medication

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the detention of all suspects linked to the circumstances surrounding the death of two young sisters at the General Hospital in Zuru, Kebbi State.

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The incident, which occurred on March 18, 2026, involved the deaths of the children, aged three and six, allegedly after being administered the wrong medication during treatment at the hospital in Zuru.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafi’u Abubakar, said investigations were ongoing to establish the facts of the case.

“We are aware of the incident. All those involved have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.

The development comes as the Kebbi State Government, under Governor Nasir Idris, has inaugurated a probe panel to investigate the controversial deaths, following public outrage over allegations of medical negligence.

The panel, approved by the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida, has commenced sittings at the hospital, taking testimonies from key witnesses, including medical personnel and the parents of the deceased.

According to a statement issued by Ahmad Aliyu, hospital staff, including Principal Medical Officer Thomas Gode and Medical Officer Mohammed Fakai, appeared before the panel and were cross-examined on the circumstances leading to the deaths.

The parents of the victims, led by their father, Ibrahim Shuni, also gave accounts of events during the children’s treatment.

Hospital staff reportedly highlighted communication gaps among personnel as a contributing factor, emphasising the need for improved teamwork and timely consultation in critical medical situations.

Chairman of the panel and Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Ahmed BK, urged strict adherence to medical ethics, warning against errors that could endanger lives.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Health, Ismaila Yakubu Augie, called for stronger collaboration across all levels of healthcare delivery to prevent future occurrences.

Other stakeholders who appeared before the panel included representatives from nursing institutions and professional bodies, all stressing the importance of accountability and improved standards in the health sector.

The Zuru hospital death case has drawn widespread concern, with observers describing it as a critical test of accountability in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

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Authorities said the panel will continue its sittings, with additional witnesses expected to testify as efforts intensify to determine responsibility and prevent a recurrence.