The Edo State Government has disclosed the circumstances surrounding the death of Alhaji Danjuma Garba, Special Adviser on Arewa Matters to Governor Monday Okpebholo. Dr Andrew Iyamu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, revealed this at a press briefing in Benin City on September 23, 2026. Garba died on January 10, 2026, after a brief illness. The government attributed his death to medical quackery.
According to Dr Iyamu, Garba was being managed by a final-year medical student at a private hospital in Uselu, Benin City, contrary to medical regulations. The medical student was not a certified doctor and had no authority to treat patients. Dr Iyamu expressed concern over the dangers of quackery in medical practice, citing the severe damage done to Garba before efforts were made to transfer him to a better-equipped facility.
Dr Iyamu narrated that he had invited the final-year medical student to his office, where the student admitted to treating Garba. Despite this, the student's family claimed he had been their doctor for several years. The government eventually handed the student over to the family, who requested he be released. Dr Iyamu decried the situation, emphasizing that medical practitioners should not handle cases outside their areas of specialization.
The Edo State Government is determined to check such practices through Governor Okpebholo's appointment of health monitors. Dr Iyamu advised residents to visit well-equipped state-owned medical facilities, where they can access qualified medical personnel. This move aims to prevent similar incidents of medical quackery in the future.
Dr Iyamu stressed the importance of sub-specialties in medicine, stating that practitioners should not attempt to handle cases outside their expertise. He described the trend of trying to be a "jack of all trades" as wrong and a form of quackery. The government is working to address this issue and ensure that medical services are provided by qualified professionals.
The incident has raised concerns about the regulation of medical practice in Edo State. The government's efforts to address quackery and ensure that medical services are provided by qualified professionals are ongoing. Residents are being encouraged to be vigilant and seek medical attention from reputable facilities.
The death of Alhaji Danjuma Garba serves as a reminder of the risks associated with medical quackery. The Edo State Government's response aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that residents have access to quality medical care. Key facilities and qualified personnel are being promoted as the preferred option for medical attention.
Key points
- The Edo State Government attributes the death of Gov Okpebholo's aide to medical quackery by a final-year University of Benin medical student.
- The government is determined to check such practices through the appointment of health monitors and promotion of state-owned medical facilities.
- Dr Iyamu emphasizes the importance of sub-specialties in medicine and the dangers of attempting to handle cases outside one's expertise.
