Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Healthcare workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have begun a 72-hour warning strike following the alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist by a patient’s relative.
The strike began on Monday, October 12, after the attack on Olasunkanmi Lawal, who was reportedly assaulted while on duty on Sunday night.
Abiodun Famuyiwa, chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) at the hospital, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Famuyiwa said the strike involved hospital workers, excluding doctors. He added that Lawal sustained injuries to his head and another part of his body and was receiving treatment at the hospital. The incident has been reported to the police and referred to the appropriate authorities, he said.
Unions Demand Stronger Security at FMC Abeokuta
Famuyiwa condemned the alleged attack and called for stronger measures to protect healthcare workers. He urged hospital management to review security arrangements, particularly in laboratories, emergency units and other vulnerable areas.
The union chairman also called for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the alleged assailant in accordance with the law. He said the warning strike was intended to express workers’ displeasure, demand accountability and push management to address their safety concerns.
Five Unions Join 72-Hour Warning Strike
Five unions, operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), jointly declared the industrial action in a letter dated October 12 and addressed to the hospital’s medical director.
According to the letter, the strike began at 11am on Monday and is scheduled to end at 8am on Thursday, October 15.
The unions involved are MHWUN, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The unions described the alleged stabbing as a threat to the safety, dignity and welfare of healthcare professionals. “This barbaric act of violence against a healthcare worker carrying out his professional responsibility is condemnable and must not be treated with levity,” the letter stated.
They said the incident was a collective concern for the hospital workforce, not just the injured scientist. The unions also stressed that dissatisfaction with hospital services could not justify violence against healthcare workers.
The warning strike is intended to pressure management to strengthen security and ensure accountability following the alleged attack.
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Hope Ajayi 
Korede Abdullah 
Oluwatobi Adu