Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Health workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have commenced a 72-hour warning strike following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist by a patient’s relative within the hospital premises.
The industrial action began at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is scheduled to end at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 15.
The affected worker was identified as Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, a medical laboratory scientist at the hospital. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday night, October 11, while he was on duty.
The Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) at the hospital, Abiodun Famuyiwa, disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abeokuta.
Famuyiwa said Olasunkanmi sustained injuries in two places, including his head, and was receiving treatment at the hospital.
He added that the incident had been reported to the police and referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The strike was declared by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising five unions: MHWUN, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
In a protest letter dated October 12 and addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director, the unions condemned the alleged attack, describing it as a serious threat to the safety and welfare of healthcare professionals.
They said violence against medical personnel performing their duties was unacceptable and called on the hospital management to take immediate steps to prevent a recurrence.
The unions demanded an urgent meeting with management to review security arrangements across the facility, particularly in clinical and laboratory areas, emergency units and other vulnerable locations.
They also called for a clear policy against threats, intimidation, harassment and physical assaults on staff, alongside procedures for reporting incidents and cooperation with security agencies.
The workers said the warning strike was intended to demonstrate solidarity with their injured colleague, demand accountability and compel management to address concerns about workplace safety.
The action excludes doctors, according to reports on the industrial dispute.
As of the latest reports, it was unclear whether the alleged assailant had been arrested. The hospital management had also not publicly announced its response to the unions’ demands.
The strike raises concerns about the safety of healthcare workers and the potential disruption of services at the federal medical facility. Patients requiring care during the industrial action may need to confirm service availability directly with the hospital.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments