By MOHAMMAD TIJJANI

An 18-year-old victim of a violent phone-snatching attack, Bashir Kabir, has expressed profound gratitude to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, for saving his life after he sustained a severe neck injury during the incident.

Kabir, a resident of Unguwan Shanu in Kaduna, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that he was attacked on May 30 while crossing the Sultan Pedestrian Bridge in Kaduna metropolis.

According to him, two hoodlums accosted him, stabbed him in the neck with a sharp iron object and fled with his mobile phone.

He said concerned passers-by immediately came to his rescue and rushed him to a surgical centre for emergency treatment before he was referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) facility and later transferred to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital for specialised care.

“I was attacked and sustained serious injuries. Some good-hearted Nigerians assisted me and took me to a surgical centre before I was transferred for further treatment,” he said.

Kabir commended the hospital’s management and medical personnel for their prompt intervention, professionalism and dedication, which he said played a crucial role in his recovery.

“I am grateful to Almighty God, the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and all the medical personnel who took care of me. They saved my life and ensured that I received the treatment I needed,” he said.

The teenager disclosed that he did not pay for the surgery performed on him, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to humanity.

He said he was recovering steadily and had no major health challenges apart from the injuries sustained during the attack.

Kabir appealed to youths involved in criminal activities to abandon violence and embrace productive ventures, noting that criminal acts had brought untold hardship to many innocent families.

He also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes and improve public safety.

“I appeal to the security agencies to do more in preventing these incidents and ensuring the safety of innocent people,” he said.

Kabir expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders would help curb violence and strengthen peaceful coexistence in the country.

Speaking on the patient’s treatment, the Chief Medical Director of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, Brig.-Gen. Godwin Ogoh, said the facility remained committed to saving lives regardless of patients’ financial circumstances.

Ogoh explained that the patient was referred to the hospital after receiving initial treatment elsewhere because of the complexity of the injury.

“The patient arrived with a serious neck injury, and because of the nature of the case, we immediately ordered a CT scan and commenced treatment without requesting any payment.

“He sustained severe stab neck injury during the incident, ” he said .

The CMD said the hospital’s philosophy was centred on “service before money,” stressing that every patient deserved prompt medical attention, especially during emergencies.

He disclosed that a multidisciplinary team comprising a neurosurgeon, ENT surgeon, cardiothoracic surgeon, consultant anaesthetist, perioperative nurses and anaesthetic nurses were assembled to carry out the emergency surgery.

According to him, the operation was successfully completed despite operational challenges, including a temporary power outage that required support from standby personnel.

Ogoh said the patient was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring before being transferred to the ward, where he is currently recuperating.

He further revealed that the hospital eventually waived the cost of the surgery after determining that the patient and his family could not afford the expenses associated with the highly specialised procedure.

“The hospital eventually wrote off the cost of the surgery because the patient and his family could not afford the expenses associated with such a complex emergency procedure,” he said.

Ogoh reiterated the hospital’s commitment to providing humanitarian healthcare services, adding that victims of emergencies, including kidnapping and violent attacks, would continue to receive prompt medical attention irrespective of their ability to pay.

He assured that the hospital would remain steadfast in its mission of preserving lives and delivering quality healthcare services to all categories of patients.

NAN recalls that in June. 7. 2025 a naval officer, Lt.-Cdr. Buba Moses, who was attending the Senior Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, was allegedly stabbed to death by suspected phone snatchers at Kawo Bridge in Kaduna. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Basshi Kabir a victim of phone snatcher attack first picture after operation and the second picture after operation by 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital

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