Resident doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have commenced a three-day warning strike following a series of security breaches and theft incidents within the hospital premises.
The industrial action, which began on Thursday, was declared by the leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors at the facility after an emergency general meeting.
Speaking with PLATFORM TIMES, the President of the association, Dr Quadri Olaonipekun, said the decision to withdraw services was necessitated by persistent insecurity, which he described as a threat to the lives and property of members.
Olaonipekun disclosed that the latest incident involved an invasion of the House Officers’ Quarters while doctors were asleep, with several valuables carted away.
According to a communiqué jointly signed by the association’s leadership, items stolen during the attack included five mobile phones, a laptop, cash, and a driver’s licence.
He alleged that the attackers may have used a substance that induced deep sleep, noting that none of the affected doctors woke up during the operation.
“We were in our rooms when the incident happened, yet no one woke up until everything had been taken. It raises serious concerns about how the operation was carried out,” he said.
The ARD president lamented that the incident was not isolated, revealing that the hospital had recorded multiple cases of burglary in recent months.
He cited previous incidents, including the theft of a nurse’s car, destruction of another vehicle, and the loss of N3.5m belonging to a patient’s relative.
He also noted that several doctors had, at different times, lost personal belongings such as bags within the quarters.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, Olaonipekun called for the immediate overhaul of the hospital’s security architecture, including the removal of the current security personnel.
“We believe the entire security structure has failed. The management must take decisive steps, including replacing all security personnel, starting from the Chief Security Officer,” he said.
The association, in its communiqué, demanded the replacement of the current security outfit with a more competent provider, installation of functional CCTV cameras, improved lighting, and deployment of armed security personnel within the premises.
Other demands include the establishment of a functional police post within or near the quarters and the replacement of all stolen items.
The doctors warned that members would only resume work after credible measures are put in place to guarantee their safety.
“We are not safe. If nothing is done, we may extend the strike beyond the initial three days,” Olaonipekun added.
Reacting, the Ogun State Police Command dismissed reports of armed robbery, clarifying that the incident was a case of burglary and stealing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, said doctors reported that they discovered their apartments had been broken into around 4am, with phones, laptops, cash, and other valuables missing.
She added that preliminary investigations showed no evidence of armed robbery, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend those responsible.
