Thursday, April 2, 2026 - The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed its strongest outrage and unequivocal condemnation of the shocking and barbaric physical assault on a female House Officer at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and signed
by its President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association said the attack
which was carried out by students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, reflects
deeper institutional and security failures within Nigeria’s health sector.
The association directed its members at OOUTH Sagamu to
withdraw their services.
NARD further called on the management of OOUTH Sagamu to
urgently overhaul the security architecture within the hospital premises.
The association warned that failure to meet its demands
could lead to an escalation of the crisis.
“This horrifying incident, reportedly carried out by a group
of about seven men alleged to be students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade,
represents a gross violation of human dignity, professional sanctity, and the
safety of healthcare workers.,” the statement read.
"The victim; an innocent, dedicated young doctor, was
singled out and brutally attacked following the unfortunate loss of a patient
at the Accident & Emergency unit, after being identified as one of the team
members that attended to the lost patient.
"This is not only unacceptable—it is intolerable.
"Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing, not
battlegrounds of violence.
"It is deeply disturbing that doctors, who continue to
render selfless service under extremely challenging conditions—including
delayed remuneration and overwhelming workloads, are now subjected to physical
harm while discharging their duties. Such acts strike at the very heart of our
healthcare system and must be met with firm and decisive action.
"In light of this grievous incident, the Leadership of
NARD hereby declares as follows:
1. Immediate downtool:
In line with our zero-tolerance stance on assaults against our members, all
NARD members at OOUTH Sagamu including House Officers, are hereby directed to
embark on an immediate withdrawal of services until safety assurances are
guaranteed.
2. Demand for Justice:
We call for the urgent identification, arrest, and prosecution of all
individuals involved in this heinous act. Justice must not only be done but
must be seen to be done.
3. Institutional Accountability:
The Management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, must take immediate steps
to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are
apprehended and appropriately sanctioned. Furthermore, they must take
responsibility for the actions of their students, including covering the full
cost of medical care and providing adequate compensation to the assaulted
doctor.
4. Strengthening Hospital Security:
We call on the Management of OOUTH Sagamu to urgently overhaul and reinforce
security architecture within the hospital premises. Proactive measures must be
instituted to prevent a recurrence, alongside addressing all welfare concerns
affecting our members to promote a safe and conducive working environment.
"The Leadership of NARD stands firmly in solidarity
with the entire Congress of OOUTH Sagamu and fully supports all decisions taken
in response to this incident.
"Failure to meet these demands promptly will compel
escalation to a regional and national industrial dispute.
"We extend our deepest sympathy to our assaulted
colleague and wish her a swift recovery; physically, emotionally, and
professionally. NARD remains committed to ensuring her safety, dignity, and
justice.
"Finally, we call on government at all levels to
urgently prioritize the protection of healthcare workers and enforce strict
penalties against acts of violence in healthcare settings.
"The safety of doctors is non-negotiable. An injury to
one is an injury to all.
“Enough is Enough. Healthcare workers must be protected.
Justice must prevail.”
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