The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced an investigation into the deaths of a young mother and her newborn following a caesarean section at General Hospital in Ikot Ekpene.
A video circulating on social media and cited by PUNCH Online on Sunday showed a relative accusing hospital staff of negligence after the woman reportedly began bleeding from complications during labour. The footage prompted public outrage and calls for accountability.
In response, Governor Pastor Umo Eno expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family and directed the Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John to establish a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts.
The panel’s mandate is to uncover the circumstances of the incident and propose preventive measures, according to a press release issued by the commissioner on Sunday.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media concerning the unfortunate death of a young mother and her newborn following a caesarean birth at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene.
“His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, deeply sympathises with the bereaved family and has directed the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to immediately set up a high-powered commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts to establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences.
“In line with this directive, the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John led a team from the Ministry of Health to the hospital at 12:10 a.m. for an on-the-spot preliminary inquiry and to obtain firsthand accounts from relevant stakeholders.”
The statement reiterated the administration’s commitment to combating maternal mortality, which it has designated as a core priority.
The Ministry of Health pledged full transparency in the inquiry’s findings, with potential sanctions for any confirmed negligence under civil service and professional guidelines.
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