FG CONDEMNS ATTACK ON FMC ABEOKUTA HEALTH WORKER, DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ARREST OF SUSPECT
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has condemned the reported stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the alleged assailant while urging striking health workers to return to duty.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare disclosed this in a press statement issued in Abuja on October 12, 2026, by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the attack on Mr Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi as “barbaric and unacceptable,” stressing that dissatisfaction with medical care could never justify violence against health personnel.
“No grief, frustration or dissatisfaction with care can justify violence against a health worker performing his lawful duties,” Salako said, while calling on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the swift arrest of the suspect.
The minister also assured that the ministry would follow the case to ensure the alleged perpetrator was brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Salako said the incident underscored the urgent need to implement measures directed by the ministry on August 5, 2026, to strengthen the protection of health workers in federal tertiary healthcare institutions.
The measures include enhanced security arrangements, violence-prevention teams, improved incident reporting, collaboration with law-enforcement agencies and more effective complaint-handling procedures.
He emphasised that the measures must translate into practical protection for medical personnel across health facilities, enabling them to perform their duties without fear of attacks.
FG Appeals to Striking Health Workers
The minister appealed to health workers who embarked on industrial action at FMC Abeokuta to resume work immediately in the interest of patients and the wider public.
He urged the workers to allow security agencies to conduct their investigation, while calling on the hospital management to ensure that the injured staff member receives appropriate medical attention and support.
Salako further directed the hospital management to strengthen security arrangements in line with the Federal Government’s existing directives.
Ministry Condoles with Bereaved Family
The minister extended the Federal Government’s condolences to the family of the deceased patient, acknowledging the pain associated with losing a loved one.
He urged patients and their relatives who have concerns about the quality of care received to use the hospital’s formal complaints mechanism, where grievances could be investigated fairly and addressed on their merits.
The ministry reiterated that protecting healthcare workers remained essential to safe and uninterrupted service delivery.
It stressed that hospitals must remain safe environments where medical personnel can perform their duties without fear of violence, while patients and their families can access healthcare services with confidence.
