A relative of a patient has allegedly stabbed a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi with Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta following the death of a patient in the hospital
Penpushing reports that the alleged attacker who violently used metal object to cause bloody injury on the head and face of the victim, as at the time of filing this report is said to be on the run, and the corpse of the patient abandoned at the mortuary.
The sources disclosed that the incident had been reported at the Kemta Divisional Police Headquarters, Abeokuta, while police as at the time of this report is said to be on the trail of the alleged runaway suspect
Penpushing further reports that following the attack, Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the hospital has ordered members to commence a 72-hour warning strike notice if the attacker is not found and apprehended by the authorities.
The committee in a letter written to the Medical Director of the hospital dated October 12, 2026 expressed profound displeasure, describing the incident as unacceptable and barbaric within the medical facility
‘On behalf of the leadership and entire members of our union, we write to express our profound displeasure, outrage, and deep concern over the unfortunate and unacceptable incident in which one of our colleagues (Mr. Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi), a Medical Laboratory Scientist, was stabbed by a patient’s relative last night within our Centre.’, the letter read
Penpushing also reports that the statement considered the incident as a serious assault on the dignity, safety, and welfare of healthcare professionals who dedicate their time, knowledge, and energy to providing essential medical services to patients and the public.
‘This barbaric act of violence against a healthcare worker carrying out their professional responsibilities is condemnable and must not be treated with levity. It is deeply disturbing that a facility established to preserve life and promote healing has become a place where healthcare workers may be subjected to physical attacks while discharging their lawful duties’.
‘No healthcare worker deserves to be threatened, assaulted, or stabbed in the course of providing care. Disagreement, frustration, or dissatisfaction with any service rendered in the hospital cannot justify violence under any circumstance’.
‘We wish to state unequivocally that this incident is not merely an attack on the affected Medical Laboratory Scientist; it is an attack on the entire workforce of this Centre. An injury to one member of our professional community is a matter of collective concern, and we cannot remain silent while the safety of our members is placed in jeopardy.’, the committee wrote
Penpushing reports that in view of the gravity of the incident, the union demanded for immediate investigation and prosecution of the alleged culprit, stressing that the management should ensure that the incident is formally reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The union demanded that the alleged assailant is investigated and brought to justice in accordance with the law, emphasizing that no attempt should be made to conceal, trivialise, or settle this serious act of violence in a manner that undermines accountability.
‘Adequate medical care and support for the victim: The affected Medical Laboratory Scientist must receive prompt and comprehensive medical attention, psychological support where necessary, and all appropriate institutional assistance throughout recovery’.
‘Immediate strengthening of hospital security: Management must urgently review and reinforce security arrangements across the Centre, particularly in clinical and laboratory areas, emergency units, and other vulnerable locations. Effective access control, adequate security personnel, and a rapid response mechanism must be put in place to prevent a recurrence’.
‘A clear policy against violence: Management should establish and enforce a firm policy against threats, intimidation, harassment, and physical assault against staff, with clear procedures for reporting incidents and appropriate collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies’.
‘Engagement with the union: We demand an urgent meeting between management and the leadership of the union to address this incident, review existing security gaps, and agree on concrete measures with clear timelines to guarantee the safety of all staff’.
‘Assurance against recurrence: Management must demonstrate, through immediate and measurable action, its commitment to protecting every worker within the Centre. Acts of violence against healthcare personnel must not be allowed to become normalised or repeated in our institution’.
Penpushing further reports that the committee declared that in solidarity with injured colleague and in protest against this unacceptable act of violence, gave notice of commencement of 72 hours’ warning strike, effective from October 12, 2026, 11:00 am and return to work by Thursday October 15, 2026 by 8:00 am.
‘This action is intended to register our collective displeasure, demand accountability, and compel urgent and meaningful action to address the security concerns confronting our members’.
‘It is also a firm statement that the workforce will not accept a situation in which healthcare professionals are exposed to preventable acts of violence without adequate protection and institutional response’.
‘We wish to emphasise that our demand is not motivated by personal animosity or a desire for confrontation. Rather, it is driven by the need to protect human life, uphold the dignity of healthcare workers, and preserve a safe environment for both staff and patients. We expect management to recognise the seriousness of this matter and act decisively before the situation escalates further’, the union added.
Penpushing also reports that the committee declared it cannot continue to watch helplessly while its members face threats to their lives and personal safety in the workplace, stressing that the medical centre must remain a place of healing, professionalism, mutual respect, and security—not a place where violence against healthcare workers is tolerated.
‘We therefore call on the Chief Medical Director and the entire management team to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves, ensure that the alleged perpetrator is held accountable through due process, and implement practical measures to prevent a recurrence’.
‘Enough is enough. Violence against healthcare workers must cease in our Centre. The safety of our members is non-negotiable, and the protection of those who protect lives must be a priority. We trust that management will respond promptly and take the necessary steps to avert further industrial disharmony and restore confidence among staff’, the union stated.
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