One Aishatu Umar has reportedly died after doctors forgot a pair of scissors inside her abdomen during a surgical procedure at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano state.
Aishat, a mother of five, died on Sunday while undergoing a corrective surgery to remove the scissors, which were said to have been forgotten in her body during an earlier operation at the facility.
Abubakar Mohammed, said to be the husband of the deceased, said his wife had endured months of severe abdominal pains following a surgery carried out at the government hospital in September 2025.
He alleged that despite returning to the hospital several times to complain of pain, she was only given pain-relief medication without further investigation.
“She underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September. After that, she complained of severe abdominal pain for months,” Mohammed said.
“Each time she returned to the hospital, she was given painkillers. It was only two days ago that scans were carried out, and that was when doctors discovered that scissors had been forgotten inside her body.
“Plans were made for another surgery, but she passed away before it could be done.”
Reacting to the incident, the Kano state hospitals management board said it has ordered an investigation into the alleged negligence that led to Umar’s death.
According to reports, Mansur Nagoda, executive secretary of the board, directed that an immediate probe be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the case following public outcry.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Samira Suleiman, the board’s spokesperson, the management said it had taken note of reports describing the circumstances of Umar’s death as distressing.
The board also acknowledged complaints from the family, who alleged that her condition deteriorated while she was receiving treatment at the facility.
“The executive secretary has directed that an immediate and thorough investigation be carried out to establish the facts of what transpired at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre,” the statement reads.
It added that the probe would cover all medical and administrative procedures related to the case.
“The investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional. Appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established,” Suleiman added.
The board expressed condolences to Umar’s family and assured the public that the matter would be handled with the seriousness it deserves, adding that patient safety remains a top priority.
