Freed Health Worker Recounts Ordeal after Gunmen Invaded Ondo Hospital

One of the health workers abducted during the recent attack on a comprehensive health centre in Oke Ijebu, Akure, Ondo State, has narrated her ordeal in the hands of the assailants.

The victim, identified as Kayode Omolabake, a nurse on night duty at the facility, spoke to journalists after regaining freedom, detailing how the incident unfolded in the early hours of the day.

Her account follows an earlier report by ValidViewNetwork that gunmen invaded a hospital in Akure and abducted staff on duty.

Omolabake explained that the attackers gained entry into the facility by disguising as patients. According to her, it is standard procedure for the security guard to alert health workers whenever patients arrive at odd hours.

She said upon hearing a knock, she approached the door and confirmed from the security guard that a patient had arrived before opening it, only to be forcefully overpowered by the gunmen.

“They pushed me immediately I opened the door and dragged me outside. They were asking questions about who I was and what I was doing there,” she recounted.

She added that the attackers later forced their way into the ward, where they rounded up other staff members who had attempted to hide, took their phones, and assaulted them before bundling them into a vehicle.

The nurse further disclosed that the victims were taken to a bush where the attackers demanded access to their bank accounts.

“They asked for our bank details and transferred all the money in our accounts. After that, they collected our phones and left us in the bush,” she said.

According to her, the victims were threatened not to raise their heads or attempt escape during the operation.

She explained that after the assailants fled, the victims cautiously made their way to the main road and eventually reached a nearby correctional centre, from where security operatives were contacted.

Omolabake noted that operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, later intervened in the rescue efforts.

ADVERTISEMENT

She emphasized that the attackers released them shortly after dispossessing them of their money and belongings.

The incident has raised fresh concerns over security in health facilities within the state, particularly during night shifts.