The Federal Government has directed law enforcement agencies to immediately track down, arrest, and prosecute the individual responsible for the physical assault and stabbing of a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Mr. Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
​The violent attack reportedly occurred on the night of Sunday, October 11, 2026, within the facility premises. According to eyewitness accounts, Mr. Olasunkanmi was performing his official duties when he was set upon and stabbed by a relative of a patient undergoing treatment at the medical center.
​In an official press release issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, condemned the attack in strong terms, declaring that violence against healthcare workers under any guise remains entirely intolerable.
​”Disagreements over medical care must never degenerate into physical assault against personnel who dedicate their lives to saving others,” Dr. Salako stated through a communique released by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako. “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.”
​The ministry further reassured medical staff that security measures across federal tertiary health centers nationwide are undergoing an immediate review in collaboration with security forces.
​Following the violent outbreak, joint health unions operating at FMC Idi-Aba, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI)—convened an emergency congress on Monday, October 12.
​In a formal letter addressed to the Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, the Joint Action Committee announced a 72-hour warning strike to protest severe security vulnerabilities at the institution. The unions demanded The immediate arrest and legal prosecution of the assailant.
The enactment and strict enforcement of a comprehensive anti-violence policy within the hospital premises and enhanced collaboration with security agencies to guard clinical units and laboratory centers.
​Addressing the industrial action, the Federal Ministry of Health urged the striking personnel to resume work immediately so as not to inflict hardship on critical care patients.
​While expressing deep empathy with the traumatised health workers, Dr. Salako emphasized that the Ministry is actively coordinating with the Ogun State Police Command to ensure justice is delivered rapidly, urging staff to allow law enforcement to handle the investigation without abandoning essential health service delivery.
​As of Tuesday morning, security personnel have intensified operations to apprehend the suspect, while Mr. Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi continues to receive emergency medical care at the facility.
