The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched an investigation into the deaths of a young mother and her newborn child following a caesarean section at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene.
The incident came to public attention after a video circulated on social media showing a relative accusing hospital staff of negligence, alleging that the woman bled to death from labour complications. The viral footage triggered outrage and renewed calls for accountability in the state’s healthcare system.
In response, Governor Umo Eno expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to set up a high-powered commission of inquiry. The panel, comprising medical and legal experts, is tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommending preventive measures.
A statement issued by the Health Commissioner on Sunday confirmed that he led a team from the Ministry of Health to the hospital at 12:10 a.m. for an on-the-spot preliminary inquiry, where firsthand accounts were obtained from relevant stakeholders.
The government emphasised that combating maternal mortality remains a core priority of the administration and assured the public of full transparency in the ongoing investigation.
According to the statement, any individual or institution found negligent will face appropriate sanctions in line with civil service rules and professional standards.
The Akwa Ibom State Government reassured residents of its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and preventing future tragedies of this nature.
