Ogun Health Workers: 72-Hour Warning Strike Over Stabbing Incident

• Health workers at Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, began a 72-hour warning strike on October 12, 2026.
• The strike was prompted by the stabbing of medical laboratory scientist Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi by a patient's relative.
• Five unions, under the Joint Action Committee, demanded prosecution of the assailant and urgent security enhancements.
• Hospital management reported the incident to Kemta Police and appealed for the strike's suspension.
• Workers are scheduled to resume duties on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following the warning strike.

A key concern raised was the transformation of a facility designed for healing into a hazardous environment where staff face physical threats while carrying out their responsibilities, asserting that no level of dissatisfaction with services justifies violence against personnel.

Healthcare professionals at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, commenced a 72-hour warning strike on Monday, October 12, 2026, in response to a violent incident involving one of their colleagues. The industrial action, which began at 11 am, was triggered by the alleged stabbing of medical laboratory scientist Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi by a patient's relative at the hospital on the preceding Sunday night.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing five distinct unions, formally announced the strike through a protest letter dated October 12. The unions involved are 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. Their collective action aims to register profound displeasure and demand accountability from the hospital management, with workers expected to return to duty at 8 am on Thursday, October 15.

The unions articulated their outrage over the assault, characterizing it as an unacceptable act of aggression against a healthcare worker performing essential duties. They emphasized that such an attack undermines the dignity, safety, and overall welfare of professionals dedicated to providing medical services. A key concern raised was the transformation of a facility designed for healing into a hazardous environment where staff face physical threats while carrying out their responsibilities, asserting that no level of dissatisfaction with services justifies violence against personnel.

Among their specific demands, the unions called for the hospital management to formally report the incident to law enforcement, ensuring the alleged assailant is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. They also cautioned against any attempts to obscure, downplay, or resolve the matter without proper accountability. Furthermore, the unions insisted on comprehensive medical and psychological support for the injured laboratory scientist, alongside other institutional assistance necessary for his recovery. A critical request was the urgent review and reinforcement of security measures across the hospital, particularly in vulnerable areas such as clinical and laboratory units and emergency departments.

In addition to immediate security improvements, the unions demanded an urgent meeting with management to address existing security lapses and agree on concrete strategies to safeguard healthcare workers. They also advocated for the establishment of a firm policy against threats, intimidation, harassment, and physical assaults on staff, coupled with clear reporting procedures and enhanced collaboration with security agencies.

Hospital spokesperson Mrs. Gbemisola Olatunji confirmed that management had met with the unions to discuss the crisis, acknowledging the presentation of their demands. She stated that management appealed for the suspension of the strike, citing public interest. The incident has been officially reported to the Kemta Police, indicating a step towards addressing the unions' call for legal action against the perpetrator. Despite these discussions, the warning strike proceeded as planned, underscoring the unions' determination to compel significant changes in hospital security protocols.

Healthcare institutions in Nigeria should review their workplace violence prevention policies and security protocols to mitigate risks of similar incidents and potential labor unrest, ensuring compliance with worker safety regulations and effective incident response. Legal counsel may be needed to advise on union negotiations, incident reporting to law enforcement, and potential liability arising from inadequate security measures.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Metro Plus