Nigerian Resident Doctors Condemn Violent Assault, Demand Immediate Security Upgrades
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a strong condemnation following a brutal physical assault on two of its members at Central Hospital, Want, which operates under the Delta State Hospitals Management Board. This distressing incident occurred on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the aftermath of the unfortunate demise of a newborn baby in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
Details of the Violent Attack on Medical Professionals
In an official statement released on Monday, NARD revealed that the assault targeted a Senior Registrar and a House Officer who were diligently performing their professional and ethical duties. The doctors had compassionately informed the bereaved father about the sad news of his newborn's passing. In what the association described as a completely unjustifiable and barbaric reaction, the father physically attacked the healthcare workers.
NARD confirmed that the assailant has been apprehended and is currently in police custody awaiting legal proceedings. The association emphasized that this violent episode represents one of the growing and unacceptable patterns of aggression against healthcare workers across Nigeria, highlighting an urgent need for decisive national action to protect medical personnel.
Comprehensive Demands for Protection and Justice
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has outlined several critical demands in response to this alarming incident:
- Immediate and diligent prosecution of the assailant to establish a strong deterrent against future violence toward healthcare workers.
- Urgent deployment of adequate and functional security architecture across all health facilities nationwide to ensure the safety of medical staff.
- Comprehensive compensation, protection, and psychosocial support for the affected doctors who endured this traumatic ordeal.
"We stand in unwavering solidarity with our colleagues and deeply sympathize with them over this traumatic experience. No healthcare worker should be subjected to violence simply for carrying out their lawful and professional responsibilities," declared NARD in their statement.
Support for Warning Strike and Rejection of Intimidation
NARD has declared full support for the 48-hour warning strike initiated by their colleagues at Central Hospital, Want, describing the action as justified and representing a legitimate demand for safety, dignity, and respect within the healthcare workplace environment.
The association further stated, "NARD strongly condemns and unequivocally rejects any attempt by hospital management or government authorities to intimidate, harass, or victimize our members in response to this incident and the lawful actions taken thereafter." This position underscores the association's commitment to protecting its members from retaliation while they advocate for safer working conditions.
This incident has reignited concerns about the security challenges facing healthcare professionals in Nigeria, with NARD calling for systemic reforms to prevent similar attacks in the future.
