The association said that the incident at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, goes beyond a single act of violence and reflects deeper institutional and security failures within Nigeria’s health sector in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by its president, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman.
The incident was described by NARD as “shocking and barbaric,” a “gross violation of human dignity, professional sanctity, and the safety of healthcare workers,” and a “strongest outrage and unequivocal condemnation.”
The victim, a female House Officer, was described by the organization as “an innocent, dedicated young doctor” who was “singled out and brutally attacked” after it was discovered that she was a member of the team that treated a patient who subsequently passed away in the Accident and Emergency unit.
According to NARD, “this horrifying incident represents a gross violation and was allegedly carried out by a group of about seven men who are allegedly students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.”
The group emphasized the wider ramifications for the healthcare system rather than concentrating only on the attack, cautioning that hospitals are becoming more dangerous for medical personnel.
The statement stated that hospitals are “sanctuaries of healing, not battlegrounds of violence” and that 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.”
According to NARD, “firm and decisive action” is necessary because the problem “strikes at the very heart of our healthcare system.”
However, the association described the quick actions that had already been taken in reaction to the situation, such as telling its members at OOUTH Sagamu to stop working there.
“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 in accordance with our zero-tolerance stance on assaults against our members,” the statement stated.
Additionally, it insisted that “justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done” and called for “the urgent identification, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals involved in this heinous act.”
In addition to law enforcement, NARD held institutional authorities accountable, requesting that the administration of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade “take responsibility for the actions of their students, including covering the full cost of medical care and providing adequate compensation to the assaulted doctor” and “collaborate with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and appropriately sanctioned.”
In addition, the group urged OOUTH Sagamu’s administration to “urgently overhaul and reinforce the security architecture within the hospital premises,” emphasizing the necessity of taking proactive steps to stop a repetition and solve welfare issues that affect physicians. NARD issued a warning that the situation would worsen if its demands were not met.
According to the statement, “failure to meet these demands promptly will compel escalation to a regional and national industrial dispute.”
The association expressed condolences for the victim and wished her “a swift recovery, physically, emotionally, and professionally” while reiterating its support for its OOUTH members.
Declaring that “the safety of doctors is non-negotiable” and emphasizing that “an injury to one is an injury to all,” it also called on all levels of government to take immediate action to safeguard healthcare professionals.
“Healthcare personnel need to be safeguarded. The group continued, “Justice must prevail.”
