The Federal Government has called for immediate arrest and prosecution of alleged assailant who stabbed medical laboratory scientist at Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Government also urged health workers who embarked on industrial action at hospital following incident to return to work, saying patients and wider public should not be left without essential medical services.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the appeals in a statement by Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The statement, signed by ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, identified injured health worker as Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, medical laboratory scientist at hospital.
Salako condemned reported stabbing, describing attack as unacceptable and insisting that disagreements over medical care must not result in violence against healthcare personnel.
He said, “No grief, frustration or dissatisfaction with care can justify violence against health worker performing his lawful duties.”
The Minister called on Nigeria Police Force to ensure suspect was arrested swiftly, adding that ministry would monitor case to ensure justice was served.
According to the statement, the incident also highlights need to enforce measures earlier directed by ministry on August 5, 2026, to improve protection of health workers in federal tertiary hospitals.
The Measures include improved security arrangements, violence-prevention teams, incident reporting systems, collaboration with law-enforcement agencies and better procedures for handling complaints.
Salako stressed that safeguards must provide effective protection for health personnel across healthcare facilities.
“The Minister also appealed to health workers who have embarked on industrial action at FMC Abeokuta to return to work immediately in interest of patients and wider public,” statement said.
He urged striking workers to allow security agencies to conduct investigation, while calling on hospital management to ensure that Olasunkanmi receives appropriate medical care and support.
The Minister also asked management to strengthen security arrangements in line with Federal Government’s directives.
Extending government’s condolences to family of deceased patient involved in incident, Salako said loss of loved one deserved compassion and appropriate attention.
He urged patients and relatives with complaints about healthcare services to use hospital’s formal complaint-handling channels rather than resort to violence.
The Ministry reiterated that safety of healthcare workers was essential to uninterrupted service delivery.
“Health facilities must remain safe environments where personnel can discharge their duties without fear of violence, and where patients and their families can seek care with confidence,” statement added.
