Donated Fans, Mattresses for Umaisha Hospital Allegedly Sold by Officials

Umaisha — Outrage and dismay have erupted in parts of Nasarawa State after donated medical equipment meant for Umaisha General Hospital in Toto Local Government Area reportedly disappeared and was sold in the open market by hospital officials.

The donations were made by Senator Hon. Sa’ad Abdullahi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Umaisha/Ugya State Constituency in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly. According to Mr. Abdullahi’s office, he purchased and personally delivered 50 ceiling fans, 40 standing fans and 50 orthopedic mattresses to the facility after inspecting its urgent needs.

Mr. Abdullahi’s initial visit was prompted by concerns about patient comfort and the general condition of the hospital. Witnesses say the items were unloaded and recorded at the hospital when they arrived. But when the lawmaker returned days later to ensure the equipment had been put to use, none of the donated items could be found.

Subsequent inquiries by the lawmaker’s team, hospital staff and local residents reportedly uncovered a troubling explanation: the fans and mattresses had been removed from the hospital premises and sold at nearby markets, with the proceeds allegedly taken by some hospital officials.

Local sources who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal told reporters that the thefts were carried out discreetly over several days, and that items were advertised for sale in market areas where hospital staff are known to shop. Others said some of the mattresses and fans were traced to secondhand traders in the LGA.

The development has sparked immediate condemnation from community leaders and health advocates, who described the act as a betrayal of vulnerable patients. “These donations were meant to relieve the suffering of our people,” said one community leader. “To sell them and line private pockets is shameful and criminal.”

ADVERTISEMENT

A spokesperson for Hon. Sa’ad Abdullahi told this newspaper that the lawmaker has formally reported the matter to the appropriate authorities and is demanding a full investigation and recovery of the items or their value. The office also called for disciplinary measures against any hospital staff found to be involved.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the management of Umaisha General Hospital and from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health were not successful as of press time. Several phone calls to the hospital management went unanswered, and an email requesting comment to the ministry had not been returned.

Legal experts say the alleged sale of donated medical equipment could amount to misappropriation of property and other offences under Nigerian law, and victims or donors may pursue both criminal charges and civil recovery. Community activists are urging immediate auditing of hospital inventory and tighter controls over donated goods.

The incident raises broader questions about accountability and oversight at public health facilities, especially in rural areas where donations and government-provided resources are vital to patient care. Health workers and residents warn that the loss of these items — particularly the orthopedic mattresses, which serve injured and immobile patients — will worsen care conditions unless swift corrective steps are taken.