The Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute the suspect who allegedly stabbed a medical laboratory scientist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, condemned the reported attack on Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He said no grief, frustration or dissatisfaction with medical care could justify violence against a health worker performing official duties.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, through the ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, Salako said the ministry would follow the case to ensure that the alleged assailant was brought to justice.
The minister said the incident reinforced the need to implement measures introduced by the ministry on August 5, 2026, to strengthen the protection of health workers in federal tertiary health institutions.
The measures include improved security arrangements, violence prevention teams, incident reporting systems, collaboration with law enforcement agencies and better procedures for handling complaints. Salako stressed that the safeguards must provide effective protection for medical personnel across healthcare facilities.
The attack also prompted health workers at FMC Abeokuta to begin a 72 hour warning strike on Monday. The Joint Action Committee, comprising five health sector unions, called for stronger security arrangements and a clear policy against threats, intimidation and physical assaults on hospital staff.
The unions said the industrial action was intended to demand accountability and urgent measures to protect workers. Hospital management confirmed that it had met with union representatives to discuss their concerns and improve security.
Salako appealed to the striking workers to return to their duties in the interest of patients and the wider public, urging them to allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
He also called on hospital management to ensure that Olasunkanmi receives appropriate medical care and support, while reinforcing security in clinical areas, laboratories and other vulnerable sections of the facility.
The minister extended the government’s condolences to the family of the deceased patient involved in the incident, acknowledging the distress associated with losing a loved one.
He urged patients and relatives with concerns about healthcare services to use formal complaint channels rather than resort to violence.
The Federal Government reiterated that health facilities must remain safe environments where medical personnel can perform their duties without fear, while patients and their families can access care with confidence. The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine any criminal liability.
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