Maternal Death Probe: Investigation Committee Submits Report to Akwa Ibom Govt

The 14-member investigation committee set up by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to probe the maternal mortality incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has formally submitted its report to the State Government.

The committee, inaugurated on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, was tasked with uncovering the circumstances that led to the death of a young mother and her newborn during childbirth – a tragedy that sparked public outrage and prompted swift government intervention.

Chaired by Prof. Israel Jeremiah, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University and Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, the panel was mandated to conduct a comprehensive review of clinical, administrative, and systemic factors that may have contributed to the fatal outcome.

During its assignment, the committee examined medical records of the deceased patient, interviewed relevant hospital staff and witnesses, and assessed the functionality of equipment, manpower, and resources in the hospital’s labor ward and theatre. The panel also evaluated whether negligence, professional misconduct, or protocol breaches played a role, and scrutinized the hospital’s compliance with standard obstetric and emergency response procedures.

The 10-day inquiry, according to the terms of reference, was also expected to recommend far-reaching reforms to strengthen maternal and child healthcare delivery across the state.

Members of the committee were drawn from diverse fields including obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesiology, nursing, hospital administration, law, and civil society. Notable members included Barr. Emem Ette (Ministry of Justice), Dr. Okon Emah, CHRAN Director OtuEkong Isong, Pastor Ekpedeme (Civil Service Commission), Mrs. Nsikan Jacob Udo (National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives), and Dr. Unyime Ndoh (Nigerian Medical Association).

Others were Mrs. Patricia Etim (Director of Nursing Services), Mrs. Rosemary Obong (Director of Administration & Secretary of the Committee), Prof. Maurice Ntiense Utuk, Dr. Nsikak Nyoyoko, Mrs. Mfon Akpan, and Dr. Oku Okoiseh.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, who received the report on behalf of the Governor, assured that government would study the findings closely and implement recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies.

The development marks a crucial step in Governor Umo Eno’s pledge to combat maternal mortality and restore public confidence in the state’s healthcare system.

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