Federal Medical Centres, FMCs, across Nigeria, are increasingly battling disturbing cases of theft, vandalism and assault on doctors while on duty.
FMC Idi Aba, Abeokuta, is not immune from the worrisome situation. It is usually a busy place filled with doctors and nurses rushing to save lives. But early last month was different.
For three days, beginning June 4, 2026, resident doctors withdrew their services, leaving stethoscopes cold, patients stranded, and consultation rooms largely deserted.
While consultants and non-resident medical officers remained on duty to handle emergencies, the absence of the frontline residency workforce left the federal tertiary institution partially crippled. They weren’t striking for better pay or modern equipment; they were striking for their lives.
The problem started from a midnight breach at the House Officers’ Quarters, a place that was supposed to offer rest to exhausted doctors, but instead became easy prey to criminals. The thieves allegedly slipped past the hospital’s security, carting away laptops, cash, phones, and vital documents among others.
The industrial action, which began on Thursday, June 4, was announced by the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, FMC Abeokuta, Dr Olanipekun Arise-Kola during an emergency general meeting.
The doctors described the incident as the latest manifestation of longstanding security deficiencies within the hospital environment, stressing that the safety of health workers can no longer be guaranteed under the current circumstances.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting, signed by the President and the Assistant General Secretary, Olufemi
