Ogun Hospital Workers Begin 72-Hour Strike After Medical Scientist Is Allegedly Stabbed

Healthcare workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, have begun 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.

The industrial action began at 11 am on Monday, October 12, 2026, after five health sector unions condemned the reported attack and demanded urgent measures to protect staff. The unions said the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals working to provide essential medical services.

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 the unions. They include 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 described the alleged assault as unacceptable, arguing that disagreements over hospital services could never justify violence against medical personnel. They said the incident was not just an attack on the injured laboratory scientist but also a threat to the dignity, safety and welfare of the entire hospital workforce.

The unions are demanding that the hospital management ensure the alleged assailant is investigated and prosecuted in line with the law. They also called for prompt medical treatment, psychological support and other assistance for Olasunkanmi, while warning against any attempt to conceal or downplay the incident.

Other demands include stronger security across the hospital, particularly in laboratories, clinical areas and emergency units. The unions also want an urgent meeting with management to address security gaps, establish clear procedures for reporting threats and assaults, and improve cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

FMC Abeokuta spokesperson, Mrs Gbemisola Olatunji, said management had met with union representatives and appealed to them to suspend the strike in the interest of patients and the public. She confirmed that the incident had been reported to Kemta Police Station and that the affected staff member had made an official statement. Olatunji added that the Medical Director personally accompanied the victim to the station.

The spokesperson said management had agreed to strengthen security around the hospital to prevent further attacks on healthcare workers. The unions scheduled the end of the 72-hour warning strike for 8 am on Thursday, October 15, although Olatunji expressed hope that workers would return to their duty posts earlier. She urged patients and their relatives to report complaints through the proper channels instead of resorting to violence.