Residents doctors at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State, have embarked on a three days warning strike following the recent burglaries at the House Officers’ Quarters located within the hospital premises.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the doctors unanimously agreed to embark on a temporary withdrawal of services to protest what they termed ongoing security failures that continue to put healthcare workers and their property at risk.

The communiqué issued was jointly signed by the President of the National Association of Resident Doctors(NARD), Dr. Olanipekun Quadri Arisekola and the Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Alawode respectively.

The industrial action followed a recent burglary at the House Officers’ Quarters, during which several personal items belonging to medical personnel were allegedly stolen.

The doctors mentioned the properties stolen to include: five mobile phones, a laptop, cash, and a driver’s licence, while urgently calling on the management to act swiftly and prevent reoccurrence

They noted in the communiqué addressed to the Medical Director of FMC, Abeokuta, that the incident reflected the persistent security shortcomings within the hospital premises which pose a serious risk to their safety and overall well-being of the health workers.

The health workers said that the incident had raised concerns among members, particularly those living within the hospital quarters who rely on the management on safety and security of the hospital environment.

They expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as recurring security lapses and the lack of adequate measures to curb criminal activities within the hospital premises.

The doctors divulged that due to the reoccurrence the members decided to begin a three-day warning strike from June 4 to June 6, 2026, while awaiting concrete assurances from the management regarding immediate actions to improve security and address their concerns.

They however asked for the implementation of routine security patrols, especially at night, when the risk of criminal incidents is typically higher

Other demands in the communiqué include “security measures from the management to include: replacement of all belongings stolen from affected members during the recent burglary.”

“The discontinue the services of the existing security outfit and engage a more capable and efficient security provider to ensure the protection of lives and property.”

“Creation of a fully operational police post manned by serving police personnel either within the residential quarters or in its immediate vicinity.” It added.

They advocated for the construction or strengthening of perimeter fencing around the quarters to prevent unauthorized entry and enhance access control.

The medical practitioners added that immediate measures were required to rebuild the confidence of healthcare workers and avert similar incidents in the future.

As the strike continued, the health workers maintained its commitment to a positive working relationship with hospital management, noting that healthcare workers’ welfare and security are vital to quality patient care. (The Guardian)

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