Panic has gripped residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, following the escape of nine patients from the Ondo State Neuropsychiatric Hospital.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has sparked concerns over the hospital’s security infrastructure and the potential threat posed by the escapees to public safety.
Sources within the hospital confirmed that the patients, who were undergoing psychiatric treatment, fled due to the poor security structure at the facility.
One hospital staff member, who requested anonymity, described the situation as dangerous and called on the state government to urgently intervene.
“Where we usually keep them is not that secured. The state government should please act fast and do something about it otherwise you will begin to see many of these patients in the streets of Akure,” the staffer said.
Another source, who has a relative among the escaped patients, decried the worsening condition of the hospital and urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to strengthen the institution’s security systems.
“The state government should please help us to do something about the security system. It’s frightening that we bring patients here and later find them in the street after a few days.
“I personally spent about N200,000 to get my relative back here on Monday, just like others too. It is very embarrassing that patients can easily escape from a government hospital knowing fully well the nature of their illness and what can happen in the streets with them roaming around,” he lamented.
As of the time this report was filed, Professor Simidele Odimayo, the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Health, could not be reached for comments.
It will be recalled that a similar incident occurred in 2018 when a patient at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital reportedly attacked and injured the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Akinwumi Akinloye, and three nurses, leaving them in a coma.
