Wednesday, May 6, 2026 – Doctors at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital have embarked on an indefinite strike due to safety concerns after assault on the former president of Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Dr. Adja Harrison.
The strike may not be
unconnected to an alleged assault on one of them, Harrison, by a group, with
ARD demanding a written apology from the host community, improved security,
assurances against future attacks, full medical care and compensation for the victim,
and the identification and prosecution of those responsible as conditions for
them to end the strike.
Following an emergency
congress meeting, particularly, what the ARD described as worsening insecurity
and unsafe working conditions in the hospital environment, it announced a
total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike involving all cadres of doctors.
While demanding a written
apology from the host community, improved security, assurances against future
attacks, full medical care and compensation for the victim, and the
identification and prosecution of those responsible, ARD stressed that the
strike will continue until all demands are met.
In a press statement, the
ARD strongly condemned what it described as an unprovoked attack on Harrison,
during a tense situation involving members of the host community.
The incident reportedly
occurred amid a blockade of hospital access roads, which restricted movement in
and out of the facility and created heightened tension around the premises.
According to the
statement, “Harrison had complied with access restrictions earlier in the day,
parking his vehicle within the hospital premises and escorting his children out
through a pedestrian route to school.
“On his return, he stood
at a safe distance observing the situation when he made a non-confrontational
appeal for a motorcyclist, who was not headed for the hospital, to be allowed
passage”. It revealed.
The request, however,
allegedly triggered hostility from some individuals, leading to the doctor
being slapped and subsequently attacked by a group before bystanders
intervened.
He was reportedly rescued
and moved to safety, while a subsequent medical assessment revealed injuries to
his right ear, including bleeding and signs consistent with trauma to the
eardrum caused by blunt-force impact.
The ARD said the incident
reflects a broader pattern of insecurity faced by healthcare workers in the
area, noting repeated cases of intimidation and threats that have forced many
doctors to reside in nearby towns such as Sapele, Warri, and Benin City.
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