Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State, have commenced a 72-hour warning strike following the alleged assault of a medical doctor by a patient’s relative within the hospital premises.
The industrial action, which began on Sunday, has disrupted medical services at both FMC Owo and its Akure Annex, with doctors insisting they will not return to work until those responsible are arrested and adequate security measures are put in place.
Sources within the hospital said the incident occurred while the doctor was on duty. The patient’s wife allegedly assaulted the doctor, after which some individuals reportedly invaded the hospital in search of him.
Hospital workers were said to have moved the doctor to a secure location within the facility to prevent further attacks as tensions escalated.
A source told Daily Trust that the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FMC Owo, declared the warning strike in response to the incident and growing concerns over the safety of healthcare workers.
According to the source, the strike will continue until the perpetrators are apprehended and security is strengthened, particularly around the Accident and Emergency Unit.
Another doctor, who spoke anonymously, lamented worsening security challenges and manpower shortages, noting that the assaulted doctor was solely responsible for both the Accident and Emergency Unit and the General Out-Patient Department throughout the weekend.
The doctor added that many healthcare workers now fear for their safety and are unwilling to continue working without improved security arrangements. Another source alleged that the attackers continued searching for the victim within the hospital and threatened his life even after he had been moved to safety.
Following an emergency general meeting held on May 30, 2026, the ARD condemned the incident and announced a total warning strike.
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 manhandled by a patient and the patient’s daughter, describing the incident as the second attack on a doctor at the institution this year.
The doctors demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, deployment of armed security personnel to the hospital and its annexes, a public apology by the alleged assailant in a national newspaper, and compensation for the victim.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has backed the strike and condemned the attack.
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In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD alleged that the attackers tore the doctor’s clothes, repeatedly slapped him, subjected him to degrading treatment and later invited thugs to continue the assault.
Describing the incident as criminal and reprehensible, NARD called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved, improved security measures in health facilities, and adequate compensation, protection and psychological support for the victim. As of the time of filing this report, medical services at FMC Owo and its Akure Annex remained disrupted.
