Tragedy Strikes: Kogi Student Dies During Abortion at Local Clinic
A Kogi Polytechnic student died during a botched abortion at a Lokoja clinic, prompting police investigation and clinic owner arrest.
Tragedy Strikes: Kogi Student Dies During Abortion at Local Clinic
A tragic event unfolded early this week in Lokoja, Kogi State, where a 26-year-old student from Kogi State Polytechnic lost her life during an abortion procedure. The incident occurred on August 26, 2025, at a private clinic located in the Sarkin Noma area. Despite a successful completion of the procedure, the young woman succumbed to excessive bleeding shortly afterward. Efforts by medical staff to manage the situation were unsuccessful, leading to a heartbreaking outcome where the student ultimately bled to death.
The aftermath of the incident saw local police intervening, documenting the event, and securing the clinic’s owner, who is now in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Lokoja for further investigation. Meanwhile, it was reported that Kogi State Polytechnic’s administration had no prior knowledge of the ordeal, as they are currently on holiday. Uredo Omale, the Director of Public Relations and Protocol, stated that the institution was blindsided by the distressing news. Attempts to reach out to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Ovye, for additional confirmation were hindered by an inaccessible phone line.
Abortion Laws and Unsafe Practices
This disturbing case illuminates a larger issue regarding abortion practices in Nigeria. According to PMC, abortion remains illegal in Nigeria, except in circumstances where the mother’s life is at risk. Unfortunately, such stringent regulations do not curb the practice but rather push it underground, making it a perilous experience for many women.
Violators, including both women and providers, face severe penalties: women risk up to seven years in prison, while the service providers could be sentenced for up to 14 years. Complications from unsafe abortions have been on the rise, particularly among women in their twenties who often lack formal education and employment opportunities. These women resort to unqualified personnel for the procedures, utilizing dangerous methods that pose significant health risks.
The reality is that unsafe abortions contribute to approximately 30% of maternal mortality rates in Nigeria, as reported by BMC Public Health. Unsafe methods are commonly employed, sometimes involving sharp objects or the insertion of foreign bodies—practices that can lead to severe complications and extended hospital stays. Notably, around 25% of women who undergo such unsafe procedures face life-threatening outcomes.
A Call for Reform
Despite the recognition of these dangers, only 20% of politicians support legal reform surrounding abortion laws, with significant resistance stemming from anti-abortion and religious organizations. Efforts to amend existing laws have met frequent opposition, and previous attempts to introduce more progressive legislations have either stalled or been repealed.
Current laws may not effectively reduce the rates of abortion; instead, they encourage unsafe practices with dire consequences. Advocacy groups like the Nigeria Medical Association and the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria are pushing for reform to allow abortion on request within the first trimester, along with improved access to contraceptives. Collaborative efforts across various sectors are crucial to address this pressing issue.
As we reflect on the heartbreaking loss of a young life in Lokoja, it’s clear that there’s something to be said for a serious reevaluation of our abortion laws and practices. The aim should be to protect women’s health and rights, providing them with safe and legal options rather than forcing them into dangerous situations. Let this tragedy serve as a catalyst for change in Kogi State and beyond.