The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors on Monday backed a 48-hour warning strike by doctors at Central Hospital, Warri, following the assault of two of its members by the bereaved father of a newborn, describing the incident as a stark reflection of rising violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria.
The attack occurred on Saturday, at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit under the Delta State Hospitals Management Board, after the doctors—a Senior Registrar and a House Officer—communicated the death of a newborn to the child’s father.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary, Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, the association condemned the assault in strong terms.
“This deeply disturbing incident… followed the unfortunate demise of a newborn. In the course of discharging their professional and ethical duties, our colleagues compassionately conveyed the sad news and were physically attacked in a completely unjustifiable and barbaric reaction,” the statement read.
While confirming that the suspect has been apprehended and is in police custody, NARD stressed that justice must be served promptly.
“We note that the assailant has been apprehended… however, this incident once again highlights the growing and unacceptable pattern of violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria,” it said.
The association demanded immediate prosecution of the suspect, improved hospital security and comprehensive support for the victims.
“Immediate and diligent prosecution of the assailant to serve as a strong deterrent to others,” the statement added.
It also called for the “urgent deployment of adequate and functional security architecture across all health facilities” and “comprehensive compensation, protection, and psychosocial support for the affected doctors.”
Expressing solidarity, NARD said, “We stand in unwavering solidarity with our colleagues… No healthcare worker should be subjected to violence simply for carrying out their lawful and professional responsibilities.”
The association justified the ongoing industrial action by its members in Warri, stating, “This action is justified and represents a legitimate demand for safety, dignity, and respect within the workplace.”
Beyond the immediate incident, NARD raised concerns over alleged intimidation of its members and warned authorities against reprisals.
“We strongly condemn and unequivocally reject any attempt… to intimidate, harass, or victimise our members,” it said, adding that it would resist any such moves.
“Let it be clearly stated: any attempt to victimise our members will be met with firm, coordinated, and uncompromising resistance from NARD at all levels,” the statement warned.
The association further cautioned that continued repression could escalate tensions within the health sector.
“Any act of victimisation or repression will have far-reaching consequences, including the potential disruption of healthcare services… with possible escalation to coordinated regional and nationwide industrial action,” it said.
Healthcare worker safety remains a growing concern globally and in Nigeria. According to the World Health Organisation, between 8 and 38 per cent of health workers experience physical violence during their careers.
In Nigeria, experts link such incidents to systemic challenges, including poor infrastructure, workforce shortages, and delays in care.
Reiterating its position, NARD called for urgent legal reforms to protect medical personnel.
“The time has come for concrete legislative measures to criminalise assaults on healthcare workers and enforce strict penalties against offenders,” it said, adding, “An injury to one doctor is an injury to all.”
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