Katsina Hospital Attack: Doctor Shot by Bandits in Stable Condition and Recovering

The medical doctor, Dr. Murtala Saleh Dandashire, who was shot by bandits during an attack on Kankara General Hospital in Kankara Local Govt Area of Katsina State, is alive and in stable condition.

Recall that bandits stormed the hospital on Tuesday night, January 14, 2025, shot the doctor and kidnapped five other persons.  

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu Sadiq, who confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, January 16, noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa condemned the assault on healthcare workers and facilities, emphasizing the critical role they play in society. 

The police assured the public of ongoing efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted workers and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“On January 14th, 2025, at about 2020 hrs, some suspected armed bandits armed with dangerous weapons, such as AK-47 rifles, shooting sporadically, attacked Kankara General Hospital,” the statement read. 

“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO Kankara Divisional Police Headquarters promptly mobilised and responded to the scene where a gun duel ensued, resulting in the foiling of the attack.

“Unfortunately, two persons were shot and injured during the attack. One Dr. Murtala Saleh, m, age 30, a doctor at the hospital, was shot and injured on the right thigh, while one Kamala Suleiman, m, age 20, was injured on the knee. Both victims are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition.

“Also three persons were kidnapped by the bandits. Efforts are being made to ensure the unhurt rescue of the kidnapped victims as well as the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa has ordered the deployment of additional operational assets to the scene for improved security and an intensified manhunt of the assailants.”

The PPRO assured that further development will be communicated to the public in due course as the investigation proceeds.