Tensions have escalated on social media following renewed calls for justice in the case of the alleged medical negligence at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, which reportedly led to the untimely death of a patient—the mother of Ibrahim Abubakar Katagum.
The grieving son, Ibrahim Katagum, through a message relayed by public commentator Musa Azare, expressed deep frustration over what he described as a delayed and insufficient response by ATBUTH. According to Musa Azare, the family had filed an official complaint nearly three months ago, questioning why the hospital only recently initiated an internal investigation.
“Only now that you initiate your so-called internal inquiry? Allah is watching you! And He will judge you accordingly,” Musa Azare wrote in a strongly worded statement.
Responding to the public uproar, Usman Abdullahi Koli, Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Unit at ATBUTH, issued a statement via social media assuring the public of the hospital’s commitment to a full and transparent internal inquiry.
“Please be assured that we have already initiated a thorough internal enquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident,” Koli said.
“We are committed to getting to the root of the matter and will not hesitate to take the necessary and appropriate measures to address any identified lapses and forestall future occurrences.”
While expressing sympathy with the bereaved family, the hospital also advised the public to utilize formal complaint channels rather than resort to social media, to ensure faster and more structured resolutions.
The statement, however, has not cooled public sentiment, as many believe the hospital’s response came too late despite prior formal communication.
Observers and rights advocates are now calling for greater transparency and accountability in public healthcare institutions, stressing the importance of prompt investigation and redress in life-and-death matters.
As the internal probe unfolds, all eyes remain on ATBUTH’s management to uphold justice and restore public confidence in its operations.
