Patient claims UCH responsible for his irreversible blindness - Newstrends
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Patient claims UCH responsible for his irreversible blindness

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Patient claims UCH responsible for his irreversible blindness

A patient, Mr. Ayoola Idowu, has accused University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State of medical negligence, alleging that improper use of a radiotherapy machine during his treatment resulted in complete blindness.

In a petition titled: “Petition for justice against University Teaching Hospital Ibadan: Negligence leading to the blindness of Mr. Ayoola Idowu,” to the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Oteghayo, by Comrade Levite A. Akpan, National President of Citizens Rights International for Human Rights and Justice, the group claims that Idowu received radiotherapy on April 21, 2021 without proper eye protection.

Despite Idowu’s complaints of vision loss, the hospital reportedly dismissed his concerns, attributing his condition to a previous surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo. Subsequent eye examinations at FMC, UCH, and LASUTH confirmed nerve damage, suggesting irreversible blindness.

The petition demanded thorough investigation, disciplinary action against those responsible, compensation for Idowu, and the implementation of stricter safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

Akpan, a human rights activist and his organization, Citizens Rights International were moved by Idowu’s plight, took up the case and petitioned the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, seeking justice and accountability from UCH.

It reads in parts: “We at Citizens Rights International for Human right and Justice the undersigned are writing to express our deep concern and demand immediate action regarding a grievous incident of medical negligence at University College Hospital, Ibadan, which has resulted in a patient becoming blind due to improper use of a radiotherapy machine.

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“On 19/4/2021 Mr Ayoola Idowu had a keloid surgery at Federal Medical Centre Owo. After a successful surgery, the Federal Medical Centre referred him to University College Hospital UCH where he was asked to carry out radiotherapy. Mr.Ayoola Idowu was seeing very perfectly; then

“On 21/4/2021, Mr. Ayoola Idowu underwent a radiotherapy session at University College Hospital UCH. Due to improper calibration and handling of the radiotherapy machine, he suffered severe damage, resulting in complete blindness.

“This tragic outcome is a direct result of negligence and lack of proper protocol adherence by the hospital staff. Clearly outline the problem and its impact on the victim and others.”

Akpan told The Nation Idowu explained to the organisation how, during his radiotherapy treatment, he was initially placed inside the machine without any eye protection.

He noted that on his first visit, his face and eyes were left uncovered but during his subsequent visit, his face was covered.

After five days, Idowu lost both eyes. He reported that he informed the staff of the Radiotherapy department about his vision loss but they denied responsibility for the damage.

Instead, the staff attributed the cause of his eye injury to a keloid surgery performed at the Federal Medical Centre Owo.

“This was someone who went to UCH without any eye problem. University College Hospital has denied being responsible for Mr.Ayoola Idowu’s blindness neither have they taken responsibility for their incompetency which has caused Mr Ayoola Idowu’s life damage and turned him into a person with a disability.

“Mr. Ayoola Idowu went to the FMC Ophthalmology Department, UCH Ophthalmology and LASUTH Ophthalmology to check his eyes condition and he was told his nerves had been damaged.

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“This incident highlights a critical failure in the hospital’s duty of care. Not only has it drastically affected the life of the patient Mr. Ayoola Idowu, but it also raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of medical procedures at University College Hospital,” he said.

They called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, accountability and appropriate disciplinary actions for the staff involved the implementation of stricter safety protocols to prevent future occurrences, and fair compensation and support for Mr. Ayoola Idowu and his family.

They further demanded a thorough eye check and treatment at the expense of UCH until Ayoola regained his sight.

“We trust that the Federal Ministry of Justice and Health will take our concerns seriously and act swiftly to address this grave injustice. The well-being and safety of patients must always be the top priority. By signing this petition, we stand together in demanding justice and better safety measures.”

However, in response to Idowo’s allegations, the hospital’s management affirmed that investigations have commenced to unravel the truth of the case.

This was contained in letter with Ref, No. HG/CON. 851 and dated 22 July 2024, jointly signed by one Mr. Olubukola O. Ogunlade on behalf of the Director of Administration and Chief Medical Director.

The statement reads in parts: “I write to acknowledge your letter dated 25th June 2024 to the above subject matter.

“The Management of the Hospital empathizes with you. Rest assured that investigations into all allegations in your letter have commenced and appropriate findings will be communicated to you in due course.”

Patient claims UCH responsible for his irreversible blindness

THE NATION

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No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

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No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

Firefighters control blazes in Ikorodu and Surulere while clearing major highway obstructions over a busy emergency weekend.

Two separate fires destroyed several shops in Ikorodu and Surulere on Monday, causing significant property loss for local traders. Official reports confirm that while merchandise and equipment worth millions of naira were lost, no one was injured or killed in either incident.

The first incident occurred early Monday morning at Adamo Bus Stop in Ikorodu. Investigators found that faulty electrical wiring sparked on the roof of a salon, allowing flames to spread to two nearby stores.

Emergency teams arrived promptly to extinguish the fire and cool the surrounding structures so the flames would not return. Later that morning, another fire broke out on Olatunde Onimole Street in Surulere, destroying two retail spaces that housed a furniture business and a grocery store.

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Emergency teams also assisted drivers dealing with transit disruptions across the city, including towing disabled trucks off busy roads and aiding passengers after a commercial bus overturned on the Third Mainland Bridge.

LASEMA leadership praised the teamwork of police officers, paramedics, and traffic managers who kept the public safe. State authorities continue to remind shop owners and residents to inspect their electrical systems regularly and keep equipment properly maintained to protect their workplaces.

 

No Lives Lost as Responders Contain Dual Fire Outbreaks Across Lagos

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Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

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Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

At least 13 people have been killed in a fresh wave of violence across Plateau State, with gunmen attacking a commercial bus in Jos South Local Government Area and separate communities in Mangu and Riyom LGAs.

The attacks, which occurred between Saturday and Monday, September 12 and 14, 2026, have heightened fears of renewed reprisal violence in communities already affected by prolonged tensions and recurring clashes.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred at Dungus Kuru T-junction, near Science School in Jos South, where gunmen opened fire on a commercial bus travelling from the Farin Lamba axis towards Jos.

The attack reportedly occurred at about 8:30pm on Sunday as the vehicle was moving through the area. The assailants opened fire on the bus before fleeing, leaving several passengers dead and others injured.

An initial military account put the death toll at six passengers, comprising five males and one female, while two others sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital.

Troops responding to a distress call subsequently moved into the area and began operations to track down the attackers.

However, subsequent accounts from community sources placed the number of people killed in the bus attack at nine, saying some passengers who initially survived the shooting later died from their injuries.

The Berom Youth Moulders, through its spokesman, Rwang Tengwong, reportedly said one of the victims was a member of Operation Rainbow, a local security initiative operating in Plateau State.

The differing casualty figures could not immediately be reconciled, as security authorities were still working to establish the full circumstances and final toll of the attack.

The Plateau State Police Command also confirmed that attacks had occurred but indicated that investigations were ongoing and that further details would be provided after the facts had been established.

The identities and motive of the attackers remained unknown as of Tuesday, while security agencies continued efforts to locate those responsible.

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The Dungus Kuru bus attack came amid a series of other deadly incidents reported in parts of Mangu Local Government Area, further raising concerns about the possibility of retaliatory attacks.

In Alohom community in Mangu, three young Fulani herders were reportedly killed in an attack.

The victims were identified as Garzali Shaibu, 18; Bashiru Yakubu, 14; and Salim Abubakar, 15.

Security reports indicated that 36 cattle were also killed, while another 12 sustained gunshot injuries. Two other members of the herding group were initially reported missing.

Troops deployed to the area reportedly recovered the bodies of the three victims.

Members of the affected Fulani community alleged that suspected Mwaghavul militia were responsible for the attack. The allegation, however, had not been independently established by security authorities, and no particular group had been officially identified as responsible.

The violence reportedly continued in Vodni community in Mangu LGA, where suspected attackers killed two people and injured several others.

Reports on the incident also indicated that children were among those affected, with five children reportedly found injured inside a house after troops responding to a distress call arrived in the community.

The injured children were evacuated to Mangu General Hospital for treatment.

Another attack was reported in Tahoos in Riyom Local Government Area, where two people were reportedly killed.

The incidents across Jos South, Mangu and Riyom brought the reported death toll from the fresh violence to at least 13, although community accounts suggested that the figure could be higher.

The latest Plateau violence has renewed concerns about the fragile security situation in the state, particularly in communities where disputes involving farming and herding populations have previously triggered cycles of attacks and reprisals.

The killing of passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle has also raised fresh concerns about the safety of motorists and commuters using roads connecting communities around Jos South and neighbouring local government areas.

Residents fear that the latest killings could lead to retaliatory attacks if security agencies fail to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence.

Security forces operating under Operation Enduring Peace have continued patrols and responses in affected areas, while authorities are expected to intensify surveillance and efforts to apprehend those responsible.

Community leaders and security agencies are also under pressure to prevent the latest incidents from escalating into wider communal violence and to protect residents, farmers, herders and commuters across vulnerable areas.

For now, investigations into the Dungus Kuru attack and the other incidents are continuing, while authorities work to establish the final casualty figures, identify the perpetrators and determine the motives behind the attacks.

Plateau Attacks: Gunmen Kill Passengers, 13 Dead Across Three LGAs

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Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

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Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old woman, Mrs Ogechi Ofoma, following the alleged brutal physical abuse of her seven-year-old daughter in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The incident was reported to the police on the evening of Sunday, September 13, 2026, after the child was reportedly found with severe bodily injuries in the Awada-Obosi area.

According to the police, security personnel from the Ibollo Community and concerned residents intervened after becoming aware of the alleged abuse. The intervention led to the rescue of the child and the arrest of her mother.

Preliminary findings indicate that the girl suffered serious physical injuries. The police said the injuries were reportedly inflicted with a hot knife, although investigations are still ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

The child has been taken under the care and protection of relevant authorities, while the Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare is working with the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, to facilitate urgent medical attention and welfare support for the victim.

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The police have commenced an investigation into the incident to determine what led to the alleged abuse and whether any other person was involved.

Mrs Ofoma remains in police custody as investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the case and determine the appropriate legal action.

The intervention by the Ibollo Community security personnel and residents has also drawn attention to the role of communities in protecting children and reporting suspected cases of child abuse.

Cases involving children who suffer physical violence can require intervention from law enforcement, social welfare authorities and other child-protection agencies to ensure the victim’s immediate safety and access to appropriate care.

The Anambra Police Command commended the community members who responded to the situation and helped secure the child’s rescue.

The case comes amid continuing concerns over child abuse in Nigeria, particularly physical violence against children who may be unable to protect themselves or report their experiences.

Authorities are expected to establish the nature and extent of the girl’s injuries, examine available evidence and determine whether additional suspects should be questioned or arrested.

The outcome of the investigation will determine the next legal steps in the case.

Police Arrest Mother Over Alleged Brutal Abuse of 7-Year-Old Girl in Anambra

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