Presbyterian Church Decries Youths Invasion Of Hospital
Raises alarm over alleged threat to lives, property
Medical personnel shun night duties
‘We’re unaware of security threat’ – EBSG
Admits transition process ongoing
BY COBHAM NSA – Few days after accusing the Ebonyi State government of strong arm tactics in its move to acquire the Presbyterian Joint Hospital Uhuru (PJHU), the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) has again raised an alarm over constant threats to the lives and property of the hospital workers.
The Church said sequel to alleged invasion of the hospital premises by youths in Uburu community based on purported instructions from the government of Ebonyi State, the workers are now living a perpetual fear of harassment and intimidation by their tormentors.
But in its official reaction, the Ebonyi State government has denied knowledge of any threat to lives and property within the hospital facility and the Uburu community.
Forefront gathered that in the last couple of days, the hospital and its now frightened staff have unfortunately been exposed to some ugly incidents with the management at a loss on what do and needed guidance for moving forward.
A source close to the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr Ogienangbon A. A told Forefront that the current challenges arising from the youth’s unlawful activities are now “putting strains on the daily running of the hospital.”
According to competent source within the Church and the hospital authorities, several appalling happenings are now taking place around the hospital thereby exposing the workers unnecessary dangers.
One insider claimed that recently “a staff of the hospital on secondment to our outstation at Ukawu was detained and manhandled for over three (3) hours by these youths for no just course.”
Similarly, it was learnt some unknown persons manhandled a medical officer within the hospital facility while returning to his house, which is located within the hospital premises.
Listing other unwholesome occurrences, the reliable source said; “A nurse, a serving NYSC member, was recently harassed, and his life threatened by some of these youths”, adding; “There was also an attempt by the youths to forcefully tow the hospital vehicles from the mechanic workshop.”
With the heightening tension around the hospital environment, reports said some of the doctors are now refusing to make wards’ rounds at night and leaving the patient(s) to their fate for fear of being harassed and attacked by the irate youths.
One reliable source confirmed to Forefront that even the Medical Director, Dr Ogienangbon, has not been “spared the embarrassment as he was almost sent out of a meeting of Heads of General hospitals and some Mission hospitals with officials of an NGO, on the pretext that PJHU is longer recognised by the State government.”
“We are afraid that these youths are intentionally station in the hospital for reasons yet unknown to us. Though the Church and hospital authorities have continued to seek dialogue in resolving all contending, there is no need pretending because these are challenges putting strains on the management and daily running of the hospital”, a senior management official revealed.
The rattled official lamented that with the State government maintaining stoic silence over the clearly offensive disposition of the Uburu youth populace, the entire hospital staff and management team currently fear for their lives and property not knowing how to manage the situation.
But reacting to the issues raised, the Ebonyi State government said it was unaware of any such threat to lives and property around the hospital and its environs.
Speaking with Forefront in a telephone interview, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Orji Uchenna Orji Francis said no reports of security breaches have been brought before the government by the hospital or the Church
The Commissioner said Ebonyi remains a very peaceful state and government would spare no efforts at protecting and securing the lives and property of everyone resident in the South East state.
He also absolved the youths of any act capable of disrupting the peace being enjoyed across the state, saying; “Our youths are responsible and responsive. More so, the government will not tolerate any act or actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in any part of the State.”
Mr Orji however assured that security has been beefed up around the hospital vicinity as part of conscious moves by government to ensure existing equipment and property in the PJHU are not vandalized within the period of transition.
“The transition process is ongoing. We have to ensure that no property is tampered with until there is a joint evaluation of what we have on ground by both sides.
“Therefore, the hospital’s management cannot meddle or disrupt the process. For now, there is assurances from the State government to secure the lives and property not only within the hospital, but also across the entire State”, the Commissioner said.
