Another Nurse Attacked by ‘One-Chance’ Robbers in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has raised an alarm regarding a recent incident involving the assault of a nurse in Abuja by purported 'one-chance' robbers.

According to the association, the attack occurred after the nurse had finished her afternoon shift at Wuse General Hospital. She reportedly remained behind to aid a colleague with a critical patient in the Intensive Care Unit before the assailants struck.

Dr. Jama D. Medan, the Chairman of the FCT NANNM, condemned the attack in a statement released on Wednesday, calling for immediate action to safeguard healthcare professionals throughout the region.

"This dedicated nurse had stayed behind after her shift to assist the night- duty nurse in stabilising a critical patient in the ICU—an act of selfless service—only to be attacked, beaten, and left seriously wounded," Medan remarked.

He noted that the injured nurse is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit.

Medan added that this incident has intensified fears surrounding the safety of nurses commuting to and from their places of work in Abuja. He recalled a prior incident involving another nurse at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi.

"This disturbing incident revives the painful memory of our colleague who was brutally murdered at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, a case that remains fresh in our hearts," he expressed.

The association highlighted that nurses in locations such as Wuse, Asokoro, Kubwa, Maitama, Kuje, and Gwarinpa are increasingly at risk of similar attacks.

"The repeated and continuous assaults on nurses across the FCT are unacceptable and must cease immediately," declared Medan.

He demanded a thorough investigation into the latest attack and urged law enforcement agencies to capture those responsible.

"We therefore demand a comprehensive and immediate investigation into these assaults, with a firm commitment to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all culprits to serve as a deterrent to others. The safety of nurses and other healthcare personnel must be considered a critical national priority," he asserted.

Medan also called on the Minister of the FCT to instruct security agencies to enhance surveillance around hospitals and patrol vulnerable bus stops.

"We appeal to the Honourable Minister of the FCT to urgently direct the FCT Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and relevant security agencies to strengthen surveillance around healthcare facilities, patrol susceptible bus stops, and ensure prompt justice for affected nurses," Medan emphasized.

"No healthcare worker should jeopardize their life merely for the act of serving humanity."

He further noted that fear now looms over the daily responsibilities of nurses in the region.

"Nurses cannot continue to fulfill their duties under constant threat to their safety. We demand swift, decisive, and sustained action to ensure the security of all nurses and healthcare workers within the Territory," he added.