Following a violent raid on Oke Ijebu Health Centre in Akure, Ondo State, nurses in the state have issued a warning to suspend night duties unless urgent security measures are put in place.

Felix Orobode, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Ondo State, confirmed that armed men stormed the facility on Saturday night, assaulting staff, stealing valuables, and abducting several health workers.

According to Orobode, the assailants reportedly arrived in a bus, forcibly entered the health centre, and beat the on-duty staff. Conflicting reports initially suggested that some victims had been rescued, but further inquiries revealed that they were abandoned along Ondo Road.

“When we spoke with the affected staff, they confirmed being left near Olokuta Prison along Ondo Road. This account aligns with information from security operatives who indicated that the victims were not formally rescued but later found after being abandoned by the attackers,” Orobode said.

Describing the attack as a disturbing reflection of the state’s growing insecurity, Orobode stressed that the incident occurred in a central area of Akure, raising concerns about the vulnerability of public facilities.

“For such a brazen attack to take place in Oke Ijebu, the heart of Akure, highlights serious security challenges we are facing,” he said.

The union leader warned that if immediate interventions are not implemented, nurses across the state may boycott night shifts, potentially crippling healthcare delivery during critical overnight hours.

“We will not wait until more of our members are kidnapped or ransoms are demanded. If the government fails to secure our health facilities, nurses will withdraw from night duty across Ondo State,” Orobode declared.

He further lamented the inadequate security arrangements at most health centres, noting that many rely on elderly, unarmed guards without proper training or equipment.

“You can see the security man here, elderly, unarmed, and without proper security training. This is the reality in most facilities,” he said.

Orobode emphasized that fear among healthcare workers could severely affect service delivery.

“If health workers are afraid for their lives, how can they perform effectively? Morale is already impacted,” he added.

Efforts are reportedly underway to address the situation. Orobode said discussions had been initiated with the state Commissioner for Health and the Akure South Local Government chairman. At the same time, the union’s executive council is expected to take a final decision on the proposed industrial action.

“The government must act now. The primary responsibility of any administration is to ensure the security of lives and property,” he added.