Healthcare services in Ondo State face disruption after nurses warned they may suspend night duties following a violent attack on a health facility in Akure.
The incident occurred at Oke Ijebu Health Centre, where armed men reportedly stormed the facility on Saturday night, assaulted staff, stole valuables, and abducted some health workers.
The Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives in the state, Felix Orobode, confirmed the attack and described it as a serious security breach.
According to him, the attackers arrived in a bus, forced their way into the health centre, and physically assaulted staff on duty before taking some of them away.
Orobode explained that initial reports suggested the victims were rescued, but later findings showed they were abandoned by the attackers along Ondo Road, near Olokuta Prison.
He said the incident highlights growing insecurity in the state, especially as the attack happened in a central part of Akure.
The union warned that nurses may withdraw from night duties if urgent steps are not taken to improve security across health facilities.
Orobode stated that healthcare workers cannot continue to operate under fear, adding that further incidents could force a complete boycott of night shifts.
He also raised concerns about the poor security structure in many hospitals, noting that most facilities rely on unarmed and untrained guards.
According to him, the current situation has already affected the morale of health workers and could impact the quality of service delivery.
He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the Ondo State Commissioner for Health and the Akure South Local Government leadership, while the union’s executive council is expected to decide on the next line of action.
The union urged the government to act quickly to strengthen security at health centres, stressing that protecting lives remains a top responsibility of any administration.
