A resident doctor at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State, Dr. Adeniyi A., was brutally assaulted while attending to patients on duty at the Accident and Emergency Unit on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Dr. Adeniyi, a Registrar in the Department of Internal Medicine, was reportedly attacked by a group of individuals alleged to be relatives of a surgical patient while carrying out his professional responsibilities within the hospital premises.
The incident has sparked outrage from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which described the attack as a grave violation of medical ethics, workplace safety, and human dignity.
In a statement jointly signed by the NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association condemned the assault as “reprehensible, barbaric, and a direct assault on the medical profession and the Nigerian healthcare system.”
According to the association, it was particularly disturbing that the violence occurred within a hospital environment, a place designed to preserve life and ensure safety for both patients and healthcare workers.
“It is even more disturbing that this occurred within a hospital environment, a place meant to preserve life, safety, and dignity,” NARD stated, warning that hospitals must not be allowed to become killing fields.
The association said the attack reflects a recurring pattern of violence against healthcare workers across Nigeria, worsened by inadequate security measures in many public health facilities.
“The increasing tendency for members of the public to resort to physical aggression against doctors and other health workers is dangerous, unlawful, and must be decisively addressed,” the statement said.
“We can no longer tolerate a situation where resident doctors are exposed to harm while rendering essential services to Nigerians,” it added.
NARD commended the prompt response and vigilance of the leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FMC Owo, in managing the crisis but emphasized the need for urgent and concrete steps to prevent future occurrences.
“Assault on resident doctors will no longer be treated with silence or indifference,” said Dr. Suleiman, stressing that hospitals must remain safe spaces for healthcare providers and patients alike.
The association issued four non-negotiable demands to the relevant authorities: full compensation for Dr. Adeniyi’s pain, trauma, and suffering; immediate and complete coverage of all medical expenses arising from the incident; urgent upgrade of security infrastructure at all entry points, clinical areas, and strategic locations within FMC Owo; and the prompt apprehension and prosecution of all perpetrators to serve as a deterrent.
NARD warned that failure to meet these demands would compel the association to take all legitimate actions necessary to protect its members and uphold the sanctity of medical practice in Nigeria.
The association also expressed solidarity with the leadership and members of NARD FMC Owo, assuring them of full institutional support in the pursuit of justice.
“An injury to one is an injury to all,” said Dr. Ibrahim.
NARD concluded by praying for the speedy recovery of Dr. Adeniyi and calling on Nigerians to reject violence in healthcare settings.
“Enough is enough. Hospitals must remain safe for those who dedicate their lives to saving others,” the association said.
