A civil society organisation (CSO), MonITNG, has appealed to the Governor of Niger State to prioritise the renovation of the only Primary Health Centre in Lemu, Gbako Local Government of Niger State.

The CSO, in a statement, revealed the deplorable condition of the PHC, which serves over 4,000 residents of the community, now lies.

“This facility, once meant to serve as the only hope for the community, now lies in total ruin, abandoned and neglected, leaving residents with nowhere to turn to in times of sickness or emergencies,” the statement read in part.

According to MonITNG, the PHC’s ceiling boards have collapsed, the roof has been blown off by heavy winds, and the walls are falling apart. It added that the broken hospital beds litter the PHC, while the surroundings are overgrown with weeds, turning the PHC into a hideout for snakes and other dangerous animals.

“This is the only health facility in Lemu, yet it has been left in such a state of disrepair that residents must now travel long distances, if they can afford it, before they can access the most basic healthcare services.

“Women, children, and the elderly are the worst hit, as emergencies and childbirth complications cannot wait for long journeys. Sadly, several lives may already have been lost because this health centre is no longer functional,” MonITNG added.

It criticised the Niger State Government for allocating billions for healthcare, yet neglecting the PHC in Lemu and leaving the vulnerable residents of the community to suffer.

MonITNG further called for the urgent renovation of the PHC, adding that the people of Lemu deserve the right to quality healthcare.

“The Lemu PHC must be immediately renovated, equipped with qualified staff, modern facilities, and essential drugs to restore hope to the people.

“The lives of 4,000 residents should not be treated with neglect or reduced to mere statistics. Health is a fundamental right, not a privilege for the few.”