Residents of Saki in Oyo State, particularly around Almusharaf Hospital, Oke Sunah, are on edge following the sudden deaths of a doctor and three nurses within a span of 72 hours. The deaths have stirred anxiety and speculation in the community, as locals urge health authorities to investigate the cause of these fatalities.

According to a resident, Mr. Adekunle Lawal, the sequence of deaths began three days ago with the passing of a nurse, followed by another nurse on Monday. Then, between Tuesday and Wednesday, the doctor and a third nurse also died. “We are afraid because we don’t know what caused their deaths,” Lawal expressed. He mentioned that there are rumors the doctor, who has been labeled a “quack” by some, might have treated a patient with a contagious disease that was improperly handled.

The community is grappling with various theories, including the possibility of a contagious disease or even food poisoning. Lawal pointed out, however, that only the hospital staff were affected, with no patients reported to have fallen ill. “If it’s a contagious disease, how come only the staff died and not the patients?” he asked, adding, “All of them have been buried according to Islamic rites, but the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies should urgently step in.”

Another local resident, legal practitioner Mr. Adeola Fehintola, also voiced concern, noting the proximity of Saki to Nigeria’s borders. “Perhaps someone with a contagious disease recently crossed into the area,” he said, urging authorities to act swiftly to determine the exact cause of death to allay residents’ fears.

As speculation grows, the community looks to the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies for an investigation to clarify the cause of these mysterious deaths and to prevent further panic.