Serious health concerns have rocked Oke Ero Local Government, Kwara State, after allegations surfaced of medical malpractice at a Primary Health Centre (PHC). According to insider reports obtained by SaharaReporters, senior health officials allegedly burned used syringes and altered staff rosters to cover up unsafe practices ahead of a scheduled visit by the state governor.
Nurse Raises Alarm on Unsafe Practices
The scandal came to light when Nurse Rufus Favour Mojisola, a registered nurse, raised concerns over dangerous practices such as:
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Rinsing and reusing syringes due to lack of sterilisation equipment.
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Administration of wrong drug dosages.
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Using nylon gloves during childbirth instead of standard medical gloves.
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Unsafe and unprofessional delivery methods.
Instead of addressing these lapses, authorities reportedly issued her a query with 11 charges and transferred her to a remote, unsafe health facility.
Allegations of Harassment and Victimisation
Nurse Rufus alleged she was:
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Forced to carry out menial duties like sweeping, despite the presence of attendants.
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Humiliated by her superior, Mrs. Ayinde Risikat (a Community Health Extension Worker).
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Assaulted, including being forced to kneel in uniform and slapped.
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Prevented from performing her professional duties.
A staff source also confirmed that once news of the governor’s impending visit spread, syringes were hastily burned and the Immunisation Register was taken away to conceal evidence.
Pressure on Nurses’ Association to Deny Truth
The Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Kwara Chapter, is reportedly under intense government pressure to:
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Deny reports of malpractice in the media.
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Force Nurse Rufus herself to publish a disclaimer retracting her statements.
A meeting was scheduled at the Local Government Commission in Ilorin, where Nurse Rufus was invited alongside other officials amid mounting pressure to silence her.
Petition to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq
Earlier, the NANNM petitioned the Kwara State Governor over the matter, demanding urgent intervention.
Their petition highlighted:
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Unsafe and unethical medical practices.
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Harassment, intimidation, and assault of Nurse Rufus.
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Abuse of office by the officer-in-charge, Mrs. Risikat.
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Violation of Public Service Rules, which classify workplace assault and harassment as gross misconduct punishable by dismissal.
Union’s Demands
The association is calling for:
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An independent investigation into the allegations.
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Disciplinary action against Mrs. Risikat.
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Reforms in primary healthcare management across Kwara State.
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Immediate reversal of Nurse Rufus’s transfer to ensure her safety and restore her professional dignity.
Conclusion
This scandal raises urgent questions about healthcare standards, accountability, and whistleblower protection in Nigeria. While patients’ safety should be the top priority, reports of evidence destruction and victimisation of a professional who spoke up suggest deeper issues within the system.
What’s your take on this? Should whistleblowers like Nurse Rufus be protected at all costs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
