The nursing community in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory is in mourning and outrage following the brutal murder of one of their own. Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja, was killed by suspected 'one chance' armed robbers while returning home from work.
A Tragic End After a Day of Service
The horrific incident occurred on January 3, 2026. Nurse Chinemerem had just closed from her afternoon duty, where she spent the day caring for patients, and was on her way home. She boarded a vehicle, unaware of the fatal danger that awaited her. She never arrived at her destination alive.
Her lifeless body was discovered dumped by the roadside on the morning of January 4, 2026. It was subsequently deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja, the very institution where she served.
Nursing Body Condemns 'Wicked and Senseless' Act
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, confirmed the tragic event in a strongly-worded statement issued on Monday, January 5, 2026. The statement, signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Jama D. Medan, was titled "CONDEMNATION OF THE BRUTAL KILLING OF NURSE CHINEMEREM PASCALINA CHUWUMEZIEM OF FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, ABUJA."
Comrade Medan described the murder as a "wicked and senseless act" and an attack not just on the nursing profession, but on healthcare workers and humanity at large. The statement expressed the association's deep sorrow and total condemnation of the crime.
"I write on behalf of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, to express our deep sorrow, outrage, and total condemnation of the unjust and brutal killing of our innocent young colleague," the statement read.
Demands for Justice and Improved Security
The nursing association has issued a direct call to action to Nigeria's security agencies. They have demanded an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nurse Chinemerem's death.
The statement specifically called upon:
- The Nigeria Police Force
- The Department of State Services (DSS)
- The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
The primary demand is for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice without delay.
Furthermore, NANNM highlighted the alarming insecurity faced by healthcare workers, particularly during commutes to and from odd shifts. "Our lives are no longer safe. Nurses leave their homes daily to save lives, yet many are uncertain of returning alive to their families," the statement lamented.
The association made concrete recommendations to the government to prevent future tragedies:
- Strengthen security around all hospitals in the FCT and at major junctions where healthcare workers board vehicles.
- Provide safe and organized transportation for nurses to and from their places of work, especially during early morning and late-night shifts.
The statement concluded with heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the management of FMC Abuja, and nurses across the FCT and Nigeria. It reiterated the demand for justice and urgent government intervention to guarantee the safety of all healthcare workers, warning that failure to act would further erode public confidence in the nation's security system.
