Ogun Health Workers Strike After Colleague's Stabbing Incident

On October 12, health workers at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, commenced a 72-hour warning strike in response to the alleged stabbing of medical laboratory scientist Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi by a patient's relative on the night of October 11. The strike was announced in a protest letter addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director by the Joint Action Committee, which comprises five unions: the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.

The unions condemned the violence against healthcare workers and demanded that the incident be reported to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution. They also called for improved security measures in the hospital and a meeting with management to address security lapses.

The strike began at 11 am on October 12, with workers expected to resume at 8 am on October 15.