Nigeria: Niger State governor threatens arrest as controversy erupts over location of new teaching hospital

Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has stirred controversy and outrage as he threatens to arrest anyone protesting against the decision to establish the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital (IBBUTH) in Minna, the state capital.

The state government’s recent move to convert the defunct Shiroro Hotel in Minna into the teaching hospital has sparked heated debates and protests among students and residents of Lapai town, where the university is originally situated.

The contentious decision to relocate the teaching hospital has led to tensions between the state government and those who advocate for it to be established in Lapai, the same local government area as the university.

This disagreement has now escalated to the point where Governor Bago has issued a stern warning, vowing to take drastic measures against protesters.

“I heard that some little pests are planning to protest against the establishment of IBBUTH in Minna. May God give them the courage to carry out the protest,” Governor Bago remarked.

“But if they make their threats, they will know who Bago is. I will lock them up with their parents. There are no doubts about that. And after that, I will chase them out of Lapai permanently,” he continued.

This strong-worded statement has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns being raised about the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. Many residents of Lapai and students of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University have expressed their frustration and disappointment at the decision to relocate the teaching hospital, emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare services in their local community.

The controversy surrounding the establishment of IBBUTH in Minna underscores the deep-rooted divisions and tensions within Niger State, as stakeholders on both sides of the debate continue to clash over the hospital’s location.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government will address the growing dissent and whether Governor Bago’s threat of arrests will further exacerbate the situation.