Nurses in Ondo State have warned that they may stop working night shifts following a violent attack on the Oke Ijebu Health Centre in Akure.
The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives in the state, Felix Orobode, confirmed that armed men invaded the facility on Saturday night. He said the attackers assaulted staff, stole valuables, and abducted several health workers.
According to him, the gunmen arrived in a bus, forced their way into the health centre, and beat the staff on duty. While earlier reports suggested some victims were rescued, further findings showed they were actually abandoned by the attackers along Ondo Road.
“When we spoke with the affected staff, they confirmed being left near Olokuta Prison along Ondo Road. This account aligns with information from security operatives who indicated that the victims were not formally rescued but later found after being abandoned by the attackers,” Orobode said.
He described the incident as a serious sign of growing insecurity, noting that the attack happened in a central part of Akure.
“For such a brazen attack to take place in Oke Ijebu, the heart of Akure, highlights serious security challenges we are facing,” he said.
Orobode warned that nurses may boycott night duties if urgent security measures are not put in place, adding that this could disrupt healthcare services, especially during emergencies at night.
“We will not wait until more of our members are kidnapped or ransoms are demanded. If government fails to secure our health facilities, nurses will withdraw from night duty across Ondo State,” he declared.
He also criticized the poor security at many health centres, saying they often rely on elderly and unarmed guards without proper training.
“You can see the security man here, elderly, unarmed, and without proper security training. This is the reality in most facilities,” he said.
Orobode added that fear among health workers is already affecting their ability to work effectively.
“If health workers are afraid for their lives, how can they perform effectively? Morale is already impacted,” he said.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing with government officials, including the state Commissioner for Health and the chairman of Akure South Local Government Area, while the union is expected to make a final decision soon.
“The government must act now. The primary responsibility of any administration is to ensure the security of lives and property,” he added.
