By Asuquo Edem
UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation.
A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state.
Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures.
In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies from staff and stakeholders.
Governor Eno, who has repeatedly declared the fight against maternal mortality a top priority of his administration, has invested in health infrastructure, recruitment of skilled personnel, and improved emergency response systems. He assured citizens that any proven case of negligence in the Ikot Ekpene tragedy would attract stiff sanctions in line with civil service and medical regulations.
The Ministry of Health appealed for calm, pledging full transparency in the inquiry. “The health and safety of every Akwa Ibomite remain the utmost priority of this administration,” Dr. John said in a statement on Sunday.
The incident has reignited debate over the quality of maternal care in public hospitals, with citizens demanding swift reforms and accountability.

Quite a sad incident in our state. I believe as a people, we abhor these situations, even as more care should be taken to avoid them. We feel sorry for the bereaved family and may the dead rest in peace.
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