Abeokuta FMC Workers Begin 72-Hour Strike After Alleged Stabbing of Scientist
Healthcare workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, began a 72-hour warning strike on Monday following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist, Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, by a patient’s relative at the hospital.
The industrial action was announced in a protest letter dated October 12, 2026, and addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director. The letter was signed by the Joint Action Committee representing five unions, which condemned the incident and demanded stronger protection for healthcare professionals.
The unions involved are 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.
In the letter, the unions described the alleged attack as an unacceptable act of violence against a worker carrying out his professional duties. They said disagreements over medical services could not justify threats or physical assaults against hospital staff and warned that such incidents endangered the wider healthcare workforce.
The unions called on the hospital management to report the incident to law enforcement authorities and ensure that the alleged assailant was investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. They also demanded prompt medical care, psychological support and other assistance for the injured scientist, alongside a comprehensive review of security arrangements across clinical, laboratory and emergency units.
Other demands included an urgent meeting with union leaders to address security gaps, clear procedures for reporting threats and assaults, and stronger collaboration with security agencies. The unions warned against attempts to conceal or downplay the incident and said the strike was intended to secure accountability and urgent action on staff safety.
According to the protest letter, the strike commenced at 11am on Monday, October 12, with workers scheduled to resume duty at 8am on Thursday, October 15. Hospital spokesperson Gbemisola Olatunji said management had met with union representatives and appealed to them to suspend the action in the interest of the public.
Olatunji added that the incident had been reported to Kemta Police Station and that the affected staff member had made an official statement. She said the Medical Director personally accompanied the victim to the police station, while management had agreed to strengthen hospital security. She urged patients and their relatives to direct complaints through the appropriate channels rather than resorting to violence.