Shock and outrage have gripped families in Kano state following allegations that a woman, Aishatu Umar, died after a surgical operation in which a pair of scissors was allegedly forgotten inside her body, leaving her in agony for months before her death.
Aishatu reportedly died around 1 a.m. on Monday, after enduring four months of unbearable abdominal pain following surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano State.
A family member, Abubakar Mohammed, who raised the alarm on social media, said the deceased—his sister-in-law—fell ill while living in Kano and was taken to the hospital for surgery in September 2025. According to him, her ordeal began almost immediately after the operation.
READ ALSO: Eight Months After Uromi Killings, Families of Kano Slain Hunters Still Await, Justice, Compensation
“She kept screaming in pain. For four months, she lived with it,” Mohammed said.
He alleged that despite repeated visits to the hospital, doctors allegedly dismissed her complaints, repeatedly prescribing painkillers and sending her home without carrying out detailed tests.
The family claims it was only two days before her death that scans were finally conducted—revealing a horrifying discovery: a pair of surgical scissors allegedly left inside her abdomen during the initial operation.
By the time arrangements were made for an emergency corrective surgery, it was already too late.
“Doctors were preparing to remove it, but her time had already run out,” Mohammed said.
The family described the incident as a tragic case of medical negligence, questioning how such a grave error could occur in a medical facility.
“How can trained doctors forget scissors inside a human being?” Mohammed asked. “Is this not negligence?”
Aishatu Umar is survived by her husband and five young children, now left without a mother. The family says her death has sparked fear and anger, raising serious questions about patient safety and healthcare standards at the Urology center in Kano State.
They are calling on the Kano State Government, health authorities, and regulatory bodies to launch an urgent investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“This is not just about Aishatu,” the family said. “It could happen to anyone. We demand justice.”
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre and Kano State health authorities had yet to respond to the allegations.
The incident has continued to generate widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and stricter oversight of medical facilities across the state.
GLOBAL TRACKER reached out to public relations officer, Kano state Ministry of health Nabilisi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa who confirmed the development saying a committee was setup and investigation is ongoing.
Nabilisi in a statement sent to GLOBAL TRACKER signed by Samira Suleiman, the public relations officer of Kano state hospital management board said the Management of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, under the authority of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, has taken note of the distressing report concerning the late Aishatu Umar.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. The Executive Secretary has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged incident at Abubakar Imam Urology Center to ascertain the facts and circumstances surrounding the matter,” said Nagoda.
The Board assures the public that the investigation will be transparent, impartial, and professional, and appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established.
“Patient safety remains our utmost priority, and the Board is committed to upholding the highest standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State,” he added.