Abandoned Akwa Ibom Health Centre Crumbles as Patients Suffer, Residents Urge Gov. Enobong Umo to Act

Residents of a community in Akwa Ibom State are raising urgent alarms over the dilapidated condition of their local health centre, which has reportedly fallen into ruins and is forcing patients to seek care under extremely difficult circumstances.

The facility, once a vital source of primary healthcare for surrounding communities, now stands abandoned and in ruins, according to residents who spoke with reporters. They described broken walls, leaking roofs, overgrown surroundings and a complete absence of functioning medical equipment — conditions they say make it impossible to provide even basic health services.

Patients in need of urgent care are now left to rely on nearby private clinics or travel long distances to the state capital or neighbouring local government areas, a challenge made harder for elderly residents, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.

Community leaders have called on Governor Enobong Umo to intervene, noting that the health centre was originally built to serve thousands of residents who currently lack accessible medical care. They emphasised that the collapse of the facility not only threatens lives but also undermines efforts to improve overall healthcare delivery in the state.

“We are in dire need of this health centre,” said one local resident. “We used to come here for antenatal care and treatment for basic illnesses. Now, elderly people are walking long distances for treatment, and mothers have no choice but to use makeshift alternatives.”

Healthcare advocates have also weighed in, warning that neglecting primary health infrastructure could have serious consequences for public health outcomes, particularly in rural communities that already struggle with limited access to quality services.

Calls for government action have intensified, with residents urging the state to rehabilitate and equip the centre so that it can function effectively once again. They say that without immediate attention, more lives could be at risk due to preventable complications that a working primary healthcare facility would otherwise manage.

At the time of publication, there has been no official response from the Akwa Ibom State Government regarding the condition of the health centre or plans for its restoration. As frustration grows, community members continue to appeal for swift intervention to restore essential healthcare services to the area.