The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has backed a 48-hour warning strike by medical staff at Central Hospital, Warri, following the assault of two doctors by the bereaved father of a newborn. The incident, which occurred on Saturday at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, took place after the doctors—a Senior Registrar and a House Officer—informed the father of the infant’s death.
In a joint statement, NARD President Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Abdulmajeed Ibrahim condemned the attack as “deeply disturbing” and “completely unjustifiable.” The association confirmed that the suspect has been taken into police custody and called for his immediate prosecution as a deterrent to similar acts.
The doctors’ union also demanded urgent improvements in hospital security, comprehensive compensation and psychosocial support for the victims, and stronger legal protections for healthcare workers across Nigeria. “No healthcare worker should be subjected to violence simply for carrying out their lawful and professional responsibilities,” the statement said.
NARD justified the industrial action by its members in Warri as a legitimate demand for safety, dignity, and respect in the workplace. The association warned authorities against any attempts to intimidate or victimise its members, stating that such actions would be met with “firm, coordinated, and uncompromising resistance.”
Beyond the immediate incident, NARD highlighted the broader issue of rising violence against medical personnel in Nigeria. The association called for concrete legislative measures to criminalise assaults on healthcare workers and enforce strict penalties against offenders. It also warned that continued repression could escalate tensions within the health sector, potentially disrupting services and leading to coordinated regional or nationwide industrial action.
Healthcare worker safety remains a pressing concern both globally and in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation reports that between 8 and 38 per cent of health workers experience physical violence during their careers. In Nigeria, experts attribute such incidents to systemic challenges, including poor infrastructure, workforce shortages, and delays in care.
NARD reiterated its solidarity with the affected doctors, declaring, “An injury to one doctor is an injury to all.” The association urged swift justice and systemic reforms to protect medical professionals and ensure a safe working environment in Nigerian hospitals.
