Federal Medical Centers (FMCs) across Nigeria are grappling with rising cases of theft, vandalism, and assaults on healthcare workers, incidents that are forcing doctors away from their duty posts and disrupting patient care.
At FMC Idi Aba, Abeokuta, resident doctors staged a three-day warning strike from June 4 to June 6, 2026, following a midnight burglary at the House Officers’ Quarters. The break-in, which saw thieves cart away phones, a laptop, cash, and documents, exposed what doctors described as longstanding security failures within the hospital.
During the strike, consultants and other staff handled only emergency cases, leaving routine services largely suspended. The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) said the action was not about pay but about safety.
In a communiqué, the doctors warned that persistent security lapses now pose a direct threat to their lives and property. They demanded immediate compensation for stolen items, installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of armed security personnel, and the establishment of a functional police post near staff quarters.
ARD President Dr. Olanipekun Arise-Kola said weeks after the incident, none of the demands had been met. “We need proper security to work without fear,” he said, noting that temporary police presence had since dwindled.
Hospital sources also linked the incident to deeper issues, including staff burnout, with some doctors reportedly using the strike period to recover from prolonged fatigue.
The situation in Abeokuta reflects a broader national crisis. Across Nigeria, healthcare workers face increasing threats from both criminal activity and violent attacks by patients’ relatives.
In recent years, FMC Abeokuta has recorded multiple assault cases, including attacks on doctors following patient deaths. Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, including FMC Owo in Ondo State, where a doctor was assaulted in February 2026, prompting another three-day strike.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says at least 30 resident doctors were assaulted nationwide within one year, with over 20 reported cases. Only a handful were prosecuted, and just one conviction recorded.
NARD President Dr. Muhammed Suleiman described the trend as “dangerous” and warned it is worsening brain drain in Nigeria’s already strained health sector.
In response to the growing crisis, NARD has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement a national framework for protecting healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, FMC Abeokuta management has acknowledged the security concerns. Chief Medical Director Dr. Titilola Ibiyemi called for intensified surveillance, while police authorities have pledged stronger collaboration, increased patrols, and ongoing investigations into the recent breach.
Despite these assurances, many doctors say conditions remain unsafe, raising fears that continued insecurity could further weaken healthcare delivery across the country.
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