Medical services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, and its Akure Annex have been disrupted following a 72-hour warning strike declared by doctors over the alleged assault of a colleague by a patient’s relative within the hospital premises.
The industrial action, which commenced on Sunday, was initiated by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FMC Owo, in protest against what it described as a growing trend of attacks on healthcare workers.
Sources within the hospital said the incident occurred while the affected doctor was on duty. The doctor was allegedly attacked by a female relative of a patient, after which some individuals reportedly invaded the facility in search of him.
Hospital staff were said to have moved the doctor to a secure location to prevent further harm as tensions escalated within the facility.
A source familiar with the development said the strike would remain in force until those responsible for the assault are arrested and adequate security measures are introduced across the hospital, particularly in the Accident and Emergency Unit.
Another doctor, who spoke anonymously, expressed concern over worsening security challenges and manpower shortages at the institution.
According to the source, the assaulted doctor had been handling both the Accident and Emergency Unit and the General Out-Patient Department during the weekend, attending to numerous patients under difficult circumstances.
The source added that many healthcare workers now feel unsafe and are unwilling to continue working without stronger security arrangements.
It was further gathered that the alleged attackers continued searching for the doctor even after he had been moved to safety, with reports claiming threats were made against his life.
Following an emergency meeting held on May 30, 2026, the ARD announced the strike and condemned the incident, describing it as another example of the dangers faced by medical personnel while performing their duties.
In a communiqué signed by its President, Dr Adeola Oluwadamilola, and Secretary-General, Dr Dare Aderemi, the association alleged that the doctor was repeatedly slapped and physically assaulted by a patient and the patient’s daughter.
The doctors noted that the incident was the second reported case of assault on a medical practitioner at the institution this year, warning that violence against healthcare workers was becoming increasingly frequent.
Among its demands, the association called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, deployment of armed security personnel to the hospital and its annexes, compensation for the victim, and a public apology from the alleged assailants.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has thrown its weight behind the industrial action and condemned the attack.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association described the incident as criminal and unacceptable.
NARD alleged that the attackers tore the doctor’s clothes, physically assaulted him and subjected him to degrading treatment while he was carrying out his professional responsibilities.
The association further claimed that individuals connected to the incident later invited thugs to continue the attack and issued threats against the doctor’s life.
It urged security agencies to swiftly arrest and prosecute all those involved, while also calling for improved security across health facilities nationwide.
NARD warned that failure by authorities and hospital managements to address the increasing attacks on healthcare workers could trigger broader industrial action across the country.
