Health workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday commenced a 72-hour warning strike following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist, Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, by a patient’s relative at the hospital on Sunday night.
The strike was announced in a protest letter dated October 12 and addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director by the Joint Action Committee of five unions.
The unions 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.
In the letter, the unions expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as an unacceptable act of violence against a healthcare worker performing his professional duties.
They said the attack constituted a serious assault on the dignity, safety, and welfare of healthcare professionals who dedicate their time and expertise to providing essential medical services.
The workers expressed concern that a facility established to preserve lives and promote healing had become a place where healthcare professionals could be physically attacked while carrying out their duties.
They stressed that disagreements, frustration or dissatisfaction with hospital services could not justify threats or violence against members of staff.
The unions added that the incident was not merely an attack on the affected laboratory scientist but also an assault on the entire workforce of the hospital.
Among their demands, the unions urged the management to formally report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and ensure that the alleged assailant was investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
They also warned against any attempt to conceal, trivialise or resolve the matter in a manner that would undermine accountability.
The workers called for prompt and comprehensive medical attention for the injured staff member, as well as psychological support and other institutional assistance necessary for his recovery.
They further urged the management to urgently review and strengthen security arrangements across the hospital, particularly in clinical and laboratory areas, emergency units, and other vulnerable locations.
Other demands included an urgent meeting between the management and union leaders to address security lapses and agree on concrete measures to protect healthcare workers.
The unions also called for a firm policy against threats, intimidation, harassment and physical assaults on staff, alongside clear reporting procedures and improved collaboration with security agencies.
The letter stated that the 72-hour warning strike commenced at 11 am on Monday, October 12, with workers expected to resume duty at 8 am on Thursday, October 15.
The unions said the action was intended to register their displeasure over the incident, demand accountability and compel the management to take urgent steps to address security concerns.
Speaking with our correspondent on Monday, the hospital’s spokesperson, Mrs Gbemisola Olatunji, said the management had met with the unions to address the crisis.
Olatunji said the unions presented their demands during the meeting, adding that the management appealed to them to suspend the strike in the interest of members of the public.
She disclosed that the management had reported the incident to the Kemta Police Station and that the affected staff member had made an official statement to the police.
According to her, the Medical Director personally accompanied the victim to the police station.
She said the unions had demanded the arrest and prosecution of the alleged assailant, adding that the police were already handling the matter.
Olatunji also said the management had agreed to strengthen security around the hospital to prevent further attacks on healthcare workers.
She urged patients and their relatives to channel complaints through the appropriate outlets rather than resort to violence against staff.
“We are hoping that by tomorrow, the unions will be back at their duty posts,” she said.