Key points

• Five unions began a warning strike at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12.
• Workers are due back at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15.
• Management says it reported the case to police and will tighten security.

Health workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, began a 72-hour warning strike on Monday after a medical laboratory scientist, Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, was allegedly stabbed by a patient’s relative at the hospital on Sunday night.

The Joint Action Committee of five unions announced the action in a protest letter dated Oct. 12 and addressed to the hospital’s medical director. The strike started at 11 a.m. on Monday, and staff are expected to resume at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15.

What the unions want

The unions called the attack an unacceptable act of violence against a worker doing his job. They said it was an assault on the entire workforce, not only the injured scientist.

They want management to report the matter to law enforcement and ensure the suspect is investigated and prosecuted. They also warned against any attempt to conceal or trivialize the case.

In addition, they demanded prompt medical care and psychological support for the victim. They asked management to review security across clinical and laboratory areas and emergency units.

They also called for an urgent meeting with union leaders and a firm policy against threats, harassment and assaults on staff.

Management responds

Hospital spokesperson Gbemisola Olatunji said management had met the unions and appealed to them to suspend the strike in the public interest.

She said the incident was reported to the Kemta Police Station, where the victim made an official statement, and the medical director accompanied him personally. Police are handling the matter, she added.

Management has also agreed to strengthen security around the hospital. Olatunji urged patients and relatives to channel complaints properly rather than resort to violence.

“We are hoping that by tomorrow, the unions will be back at their duty posts,” she said. Meanwhile, the source gives no report of an arrest.