Bayelsa Doctors Strike After Assault on Colleague

In Bayelsa State, doctors have shut down a hospital indefinitely in response to an assault on a colleague by security personnel. The incident occurred after a patient, reportedly brought in by members of an armed forces organization, died during treatment.

Following the patient's death, security personnel allegedly assaulted the doctor on duty and took him to an unknown location. This prompted the Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to direct its members to withdraw their services, resulting in many patients and their relatives being left stranded and seeking medical attention elsewhere.

Mr. Akpedi Bernard, the public relations officer of the hospital, confirmed the incident and stated that management is working to resolve the situation.

Comrade Bekinwari David-West, Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), condemned the assault and urged authorities to investigate and ensure justice, while also appealing to the striking doctors to consider the plight of patients and suspend their industrial action for dialogue.