by ‘Jola Sotubo

A hospital in Ekiti was invaded at the weekend by hoodlums who demanded that a day old baby be handed to them.

The attackers, numbering 5 and suspected to be ritualists, ransacked the public health centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, early on Saturday morning and made the unusual demand.

The staff of the hospital promptly informed them that there were no day-old babies within the premises but the assailants were not satisfied by the response and proceeded to assault the staff.

The Nation reports:

An official of Ado-Ekiti Local Government Council said: “The hospital workers tried to convince them that babies delivered in the last one week had been discharged, but their explanations fell on deaf ears. They were dealt with mercilessly. This angered them and they beat up the medical personnel. They ransacked the wards and left when they did not find any baby.”

She said one of the victims sustained a leg injury and was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Ado-Ekiti.

During his visit to the centre, the Council Chairman, Mr. Tope Olanipekun, described the attack as “the height of callousness”.

Olanipekun said: “The incident actually happened and we are taking steps to forestall a recurrence. The doctor-in-charge has reported the case at the Okesa Police Station and we are planning to fence all health centres and strengthen security.

“I have instructed that night duty be suspended until adequate security measures are put in place. We have also advised that expectant mothers in labour should be referred to Okeyinmi Health Centre.”

Police spokesman Victor Olu-Babayemi said the incident had not been officially reported to the police.