Vandals loot 80-bed specialist hospital in Ogbomoso
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The Federal Government’s 80-bed Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Pakiotan, Ogbomoso, has suffered extensive vandalism, sparking outrage from community leaders.
The facility, fully furnished with beds, medical supplies, and diagnostic equipment, was commissioned on May 27, 2023, through the efforts of the then Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, and handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health under the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
More than a year later, the hospital remains unused, unguarded, and vulnerable.
Vandals have stripped it of vital installations, including all electrical cables, 150 solar batteries, ceiling fans, and appliances.
Oba Dr. James Oyetunji Ojo, the Onipakiotan of Pakiotan, condemned the destruction, describing it as “economic sabotage against our community.”
He noted that the eight plots of land for the hospital were donated by residents to improve local healthcare.
“We demand immediate action; either UCH starts operations or returns the facility to us to manage,” he said.
Ogbomoso North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ogunlade George Gbadegesin, recalled that UCH officials had promised to open the hospital in October 2024 but failed to deliver.
He pledged to station security at the premises to prevent further looting.
