Healthcare workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have embarked on a 72-hour warning strike following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist by a patient’s relative.
The industrial action, which began at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 12, followed an attack on a staff member, identified as Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, while he was on duty on Sunday night.
Five health sector unions, operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), declared the strike to protest the incident and demand stronger security measures to protect workers within the hospital.
The unions scheduled the warning strike to end at 8 a.m. on Thursday, October 15, according to a position letter dated October 12 and addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director.
Abiodun Famuyiwa, Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) at FMC Abeokuta, disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Famuyiwa said the industrial action involved hospital workers, excluding doctors.
He explained that Olasunkanmi sustained stab injuries in two places, including his head, and was receiving treatment at the hospital.
According to the union chairman, the incident had been reported to the police and referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Famuyiwa condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable violence against a healthcare professional performing his official duties.
He called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the alleged assailant in accordance with the law.
The union leader also urged the hospital management to review and strengthen security arrangements, particularly in laboratories, clinical areas, emergency units and other vulnerable sections of the facility.
He said the warning strike was intended to register workers’ displeasure, demand accountability and compel management to address their security concerns.
Five unions join industrial action
The Joint Action Committee comprises the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
In their letter to the Medical Director, the unions described the alleged stabbing as a serious threat to the safety, dignity and welfare of healthcare professionals.
They argued that the attack was not merely an incident involving one worker but a matter of collective concern for the entire workforce.
The unions also rejected violence as a response to dissatisfaction with hospital services, insisting that disagreements or complaints could not justify physical attacks on healthcare personnel.
They stated that workers should be able to perform their professional responsibilities without fear of threats, intimidation or assault.
Beyond demanding a police investigation and prosecution of the alleged attacker, the unions called for stronger institutional measures to prevent similar incidents.
They urged the hospital management to convene an urgent meeting with union leaders to identify security gaps and agree on practical measures to protect staff.
The unions also demanded a firm policy against threats, harassment and physical assaults on hospital employees, supported by clear reporting procedures and collaboration with security agencies.
FMC management responds to strike
Meanwhile, the hospital management said it had met with the unions on Monday to discuss the incident and their demands.
FMC Abeokuta spokesperson Gbemisola Olatunji told Punch that the management had reported the incident to Kemta Police Station, where the injured scientist subsequently made an official statement.
She said the Medical Director personally accompanied Olasunkanmi to the police station.
According to Olatunji, the management had also agreed to strengthen security within the hospital to discourage attacks on healthcare workers.
She appealed to patients and their relatives to use the appropriate channels to communicate complaints instead of resorting to violence against staff.
Olatunji expressed hope that the unions would return to work by Tuesday.
