The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has warned of a possible industrial action following the assault of a female doctor at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Ogun State.
In a statement signed by its president, Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association condemned the incident, describing it as a serious threat to the safety of healthcare workers and a reflection of deeper systemic failures within the health sector.
NARD said the attack involved a House Officer who was allegedly targeted after attending to a patient who later died at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit.
“This incident goes beyond a single act of violence,” the statement read. “It exposes fundamental lapses in security and institutional protection for healthcare workers.”
According to the association, the doctor was assaulted by a group of individuals reportedly linked to Gateway ICT Polytechnic, an act it described as “shocking, barbaric, and a violation of human dignity.”
The group stressed that hospitals should remain safe spaces for both patients and medical personnel.
“Hospitals are meant to be places of healing, not arenas of violence,” NARD said. “It is deeply troubling that doctors, already working under difficult conditions, are now exposed to physical harm while performing their duties.”
As part of its response, the association directed its members at the Sagamu hospital to withdraw their services until adequate safety measures are put in place.
“In line with our zero-tolerance stance, all our members at the facility have been instructed to embark on an immediate withdrawal of services until their safety can be guaranteed,” the statement added.
NARD also called on security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“Justice must be swift and visible. Those involved in this act must be identified and brought to book,” it said.
The association further urged the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic to cooperate with authorities and take responsibility where necessary, including supporting the victim’s medical care and compensation.
It also called on the hospital management to strengthen its internal security system to prevent a recurrence.
Warning of wider consequences, NARD said failure to address its demands could escalate the situation.
“If urgent steps are not taken, this may lead to a broader industrial dispute at both regional and national levels,” the association cautioned.
While expressing solidarity with its members, NARD wished the injured doctor a full recovery and reiterated its demand for better protection of healthcare workers.
“The safety of doctors is non-negotiable. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement added.
