FG Demands Arrest of Suspect Over Stabbing of FMC Abeokuta Health Worker
The Federal Government has condemned the reported stabbing of a Medical Laboratory Scientist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the alleged assailant.
The victim, Mr. Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, was reportedly attacked while carrying out his duties at the health facility.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the incident as barbaric and unacceptable, stressing that frustration or dissatisfaction with medical care cannot justify violence against healthcare workers.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Monday, October 12, 2026, Salako urged the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the swift arrest of the suspect.
He also assured that the ministry would monitor the case to ensure that the alleged perpetrator is brought to justice.
The minister said the incident highlights the urgent need to implement measures introduced by the ministry on August 5, 2026, to strengthen the security of healthcare workers in federal tertiary hospitals.
The measures include improved security arrangements, the establishment of violence-prevention teams, incident-reporting mechanisms, collaboration with law enforcement agencies and better procedures for handling complaints.
Salako emphasised that these measures must provide effective protection for health workers across medical facilities.
He also appealed to health workers who embarked on industrial action at FMC Abeokuta to resume duties immediately in the interest of patients and the general public.
According to him, the workers should allow security agencies to conduct their investigation while the hospital management ensures that the injured staff member receives appropriate medical attention and support.
The minister further urged the hospital management to strengthen its security arrangements in line with the Federal Government’s directives.
Salako extended the government’s condolences to the family of the deceased patient, acknowledging the pain associated with losing a loved one.
He, however, urged patients and their relatives who have complaints about medical services to use the hospital’s formal complaint channels rather than resorting to violence.
The ministry reiterated that protecting healthcare workers is essential to ensuring safe and uninterrupted medical services, adding that hospitals must remain secure environments for both health personnel and patients.
