By Atlantic Reports

Workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, began a warning strike on Monday following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist by a patient’s relative.

The Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) at the hospital, Mr Abiodun Famuyiwa, said the action involved workers other than doctors.

Famuyiwa identified the injured worker as Mr Olasunkanmi Lawal, saying he was attacked while on duty on Sunday night and was receiving treatment at the hospital.

“The incident has been reported to the police and referred to the appropriate authorities for further action,” he said.

The supplied account did not include a police response, confirm an arrest or provide an update on Lawal’s condition.

Famuyiwa condemned the alleged assault and called for an investigation and prosecution where criminal responsibility was established.

He also urged hospital management to strengthen security in clinical and laboratory areas, emergency units and other vulnerable locations.

Unions Demand Protection and Accountability

The unions announced the industrial action under the Joint Action Committee in a letter dated 12 October and addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director.

They described it as a 72-hour warning strike. However, the stated schedule, from 11 a.m. on Monday until 8 a.m. on Thursday, amounts to 69 hours.

The letter was endorsed by representatives of MHWUN, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.

“No healthcare worker deserves to be threatened, assaulted, or stabbed in the course of providing care,” the unions said.

“Disagreement, frustration, or dissatisfaction with any service rendered in the hospital cannot justify violence under any circumstance.”

Famuyiwa said the strike was intended to demand accountability and action on workers’ security concerns.

The unions described the incident as a matter affecting the entire workforce, arguing that staff should be able to provide care without fear of physical attack.

No response from hospital management or details of arrangements to maintain essential services were included in the account. Although doctors were excluded from the action, the participation of other professional groups could affect patient care.

The dispute places two immediate responsibilities before the authorities: investigating the alleged assault and ensuring that workers and patients remain safe while services are maintained.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.