Outrage at FMC Abeokuta as Health Workers Begin 72 Hour Strike Over Colleague’s stabbing
Outrage at FMC Abeokuta as Health Workers Begin 72 Hour Strike Over Colleague’s stabbing
Health workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, began a 72-hour warning strike on Monday following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist by a patient’s relative at the hospital.
The victim, identified as Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, was reportedly attacked on Sunday night while carrying out his professional duties. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of five unions announced the industrial action in a protest letter dated October 12 and addressed to the hospital’s medical director.
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.
In the letter, the unions expressed outrage over the alleged attack, describing it as an unacceptable act of violence against a healthcare worker. They said the incident raised serious concerns about the safety, dignity and welfare of staff who provide essential medical services.
The JAC noted that a hospital should be a place dedicated to preserving lives and promoting healing, not one where healthcare professionals fear being physically attacked while performing their duties. It stressed that disagreements, frustration or dissatisfaction with hospital services could not justify threats or violence against staff.
The unions added that the incident was not only an attack on Olasunkanmi but also an assault on the wider workforce at the medical centre.
The warning strike commenced at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 12, with workers expected to return to duty at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 15. The unions said the action was intended to register their displeasure, demand accountability and press management to take urgent steps to address security concerns at the facility.
