Decries healthcare system that exposes frontline workers to danger
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the brutal assault on one of its members and a Registrar in the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Adeniyi A., while on duty at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, on February 5, 2026.

The NARD noted that from the report available to it, Adeniyi was physically attacked by a group of individuals alleged to be relatives of a surgical patient.

In a statement signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman and the Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association expressed concern over the recurring pattern of violence against healthcare workers across the country and the gross inadequacy of security measures in many health facilities.

The association stated that 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 association, therefore, stressed the need for immediate and comprehensive upscaling of security architecture around all entry points, clinical areas, and strategic posts within the Centre to prevent a recurrence

It commended the unity, vigilance, and prompt response of the ARD FMC Owo leadership and members in the face of this unacceptable incident.

Also, the NARD has calledfor improved workplace safety and infection control measures to protect healthcare workers.

The association also called for more functional health insurance schemes, prompt compensation for doctors who die in service, and stronger government preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks.

These demands were as a result of the tragic death of Dr Salome Oboyi, a Senior Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, who contracted Lassa Fever while caring for a patient in the line of duty.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Secretary-General, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the NARD described Oboyi’s death as avoidable and a direct consequence of systemic failures in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

It, therefore, called on the government at all levels to take responsibility for Oboyi’s death by recognising it as an occupational hazard and ensuring urgent and adequate compensation for her family.

NARD also urged authorities to quickly address gaps in infection prevention and control, improve workplace safety standards, and strengthen insurance and compensation frameworks for healthcare workers.