Doctors threaten strike over assault on female colleague in Ogun

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. 

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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.”