The authorities of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan have uncovered a major racketeering scheme diverting the hospital’s diesel for sale.
Per a video circulating online, the hospital’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) caught the culprits while they were attempting to take diesel out of the hospital compound. The video showed the culprit transporting around 6 kegs of 25-30 litres of diesel.
Notably, the diesel was meant for the generators powering critical units in the hospital. However, they were now being diverted for sale outside the medical centre.
One of the culprits revealed that he works in the laboratory unit, prompting questions about his access to the material in the first place. The other culprit, who is a driver, blamed the lab worker, while the latter also did the same.
The incident has already attracted significant concerns with people describing the culprits as wicked.
One X user commented that;
Imagine, “critical units” they will later blame the government. Though I still blame the government for the situation of our power supply, but the fact that agencies are trying to bridge that gap, someone is steadily jeopardizing the efforts. Nigerians are the problem of Nigeria
Another added that;
I reiterated, average Nigerians are potential criminals. You may disagree with me but our leaders are the reflection of the society.
Meanwhile, the incident follows the hospital’s history of periodic strike actions and protests amid regular over power-related issues. In March, the Council of UCH Union Leaders (CUUL) initiated a five day warning strike to protest internal power rationing and blackouts at the hospital.
