Ogun Hospital Workers Begin 72-Hour Strike, Demand Stronger Security After Colleague’s Stabbing
By GLEBM News Desk
Healthcare workers at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have begun a 72-hour warning strike following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist by a patient’s relative, intensifying concerns about the safety of frontline medical personnel.
The industrial action was announced by a Joint Action Committee representing five unions after the incident involving Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi at the hospital on Sunday night.
The unions said the attack was unacceptable and demanded stronger security arrangements, accountability for the incident and measures to prevent similar violence against healthcare professionals.
In a protest letter addressed to the hospital’s medical director on October 12, the unions said healthcare workers should be able to carry out their duties without threats, intimidation or physical assault.
They argued that dissatisfaction with medical services could not justify violence against staff and called on the hospital authorities to treat the incident as a serious workplace safety concern.
The unions are demanding that management formally report the incident to law enforcement authorities and ensure that the alleged assailant is investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. They also called for prompt medical care and psychological support for the injured worker.
Other demands include a review of security arrangements around clinical and laboratory areas, emergency units and other vulnerable sections of the hospital. The unions also want a clear policy for reporting and addressing threats, harassment and physical attacks against staff.
The warning strike involves the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
The unions said the action commenced at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 12, with workers expected to return at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 15.
Hospital management said it had met with the unions and appealed to them to suspend the action in the interest of patients. The hospital’s spokesperson, Gbemisola Olatunji, said the incident had been reported to Kemta Police Station and that the injured staff member had made an official statement.
She added that the medical director had accompanied the victim to the police station and that management had agreed to strengthen security within the facility.
“We are hoping that by tomorrow, the unions will be back at their duty posts,” Olatunji said.
The dispute highlights a workplace safety issue for healthcare institutions, where staff must manage emergencies, communicate difficult medical decisions and attend to distressed patients and relatives.
Prolonged disruption at the facility could affect access to medical services, making a prompt resolution important for both workers and patients. The immediate challenge is to establish accountability for the alleged assault while agreeing on practical measures that can protect healthcare personnel and restore normal operations.
The unions’ action also places responsibility on hospital management to demonstrate that security complaints will be addressed through enforceable procedures rather than assurances alone.
