A human rights group, Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), has lashed out at Governor Peter Mbah’s administration in Enugu State following the indefinite suspension of a student nurse, Joy Ezeugwu, who filmed the “deplorable and life-threatening” conditions at the Uwani General Hospital.

Although, the state government has claimed that it was not involved in the suspension, the group, in a press statement on Sunday, described the state-run health facility as a “death trap” rather than a hospital, alleging that Ezeugwu is being victimised for refusing to stay silent while patients suffer in the dark.

According to the YRC, the viral video recorded by Nurse Ezeugwu exposed a systemic rot at the Uwani General Hospital, including a total lack of electricity, running water, and basic life-saving equipment such as oxygen cylinders.

The group noted that the facility, which is supposed to cater to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the poor, has been reduced to a shell of a healthcare centre due to “criminal neglect” by the state authorities.

“A hospital without electricity, without running water, without oxygen… is not a health facility but a death trap,” the statement signed by National Coordinator and Secretary, Michael Adaramoye (Lenin) and Francis Nwapa respectively read.

The YRC further alleged that instead of fixing the facility, the state government launched a campaign of repression against the whistleblower. The group claimed to have audio evidence of hospital management bullying Ezeugwu to delete the footage, alongside reports of threats from a government aide.

“The suspension of Nurse Joy Ezeugwu is a clear attack on whistleblowing, transparency, and the fundamental right to speak out against injustice. It reflects the broader anti-people character of a capitalist political system,” the group declared.

The group demanded the ”immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the suspended nurse,” an “end to the victimisation of Joy Ezeugwu and a public apology from the state”.

It also called for the “prompt provision of constant electricity, water, and oxygen in all Enugu public hospitals” and the “hiring of more healthcare workers with improved wages to curb the “Japa” syndrome and medical brain drain”.

The group also called for the “creation of committees involving workers and community members to monitor hospital management”.

The rights group condemned the “deep contradictions” of the political class in Enugu, accusing the ruling elite of looting public resources and seeking medical treatment abroad while leaving ordinary citizens to “suffer and die in collapsing institutions at home.”

The YRC called on workers, students, and healthcare professionals across Enugu State to organise and resist the “draconian” measures of the state government.