A Bauchi man has publicly accused the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) of medical negligence that allegedly resulted in his mother's death during a dialysis session.

Ibrahim Abubakar Katagum, in a Facebook post shared on May 12, claimed his mother died on February 6, 2025, during her fourth dialysis session after being admitted to the hospital for 12 days.

According to Katagum, a nurse on duty allegedly disconnected his mother's bloodline and left her unattended while engaging in casual conversation outside the ward. He stated that during this period, the bloodline became detached, causing massive blood loss.

"This particular nurse denied any of us from staying with her during the session, unlike previous times when a relative was always allowed to be present," Katagum wrote. "By the time she returned, our mother was already in a critical state, and her blood had spilled all over the floor."

Family members reported that the dialysis procedure ended abruptly in less than two hours—significantly shorter than the standard duration—after which the patient was rushed back to her ward by the nurse. She reportedly passed away less than an hour later.

Katagum added that medical personnel who had examined his mother earlier that day were shocked at her sudden death, noting that she had shown signs of stability during their last assessment.

While expressing gratitude to the doctors and many nurses for their professionalism and compassion, the family emphasized that one act of negligence had cost a life.

"The doctors were respectful and attentive. But this singular act of carelessness by one nurse cut our mother's life short. We will never forgive her," Katagum stated.

In response to the allegations, ATBUTH management confirmed it has initiated an investigation into the incident. Usman Koli, Head of Public Relations and Protocol Unit at the hospital, made this known on Tuesday via his official Facebook handle.

"We have already initiated a thorough internal enquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident," Koli stated. "We are committed to getting to the root of the matter and will not hesitate to take the necessary and appropriate measures to address any identified lapses and forestall future occurrences."

The hospital spokesperson expressed sympathy to the bereaved family and urged the public to channel complaints through official avenues provided by the hospital rather than resorting to social media.

"This enables swift and structured resolution, rather than resorting to social media, which may not always offer the clarity or decorum such sensitive matters require," he added.

The family has indicated they are closely monitoring the steps being taken by the hospital management and are calling on ATBUTH and relevant health authorities to ensure justice is served.