Assault on Two Doctors in Delta: NARD Threatens Escalation, Calls for Legal Protection of Health Workers

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has thrown its weight behind a 48-hour warning strike by doctors at Central Hospital, Warri, following the assault of two of its members by the bereaved father of a newborn.

The attack occurred on Saturday at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit under the Delta State Hospitals Management Board. The two doctors a Senior Registrar and a House Officer were attacked after they informed the father of his newborn’s death.

In a statement signed by its President, Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary, Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, NARD condemned the incident as a stark reflection of rising violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria.

“This deeply disturbing incident… followed the unfortunate demise of a newborn. In the course of discharging their professional and ethical duties, our colleagues compassionately conveyed the sad news and were physically attacked in a completely unjustifiable and barbaric reaction,” the statement read.

The association confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is in police custody, but stressed that justice must be served swiftly.

NARD demanded immediate prosecution of the assailant, improved security across health facilities, and comprehensive support for the affected doctors, including compensation, protection, and psychosocial care.

“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our colleagues… No healthcare worker should be subjected to violence simply for carrying out their lawful and professional responsibilities,” the association said.

NARD described the ongoing industrial action by its members in Warri as justified, representing a legitimate demand for safety, dignity, and respect in the workplace.

The association also warned authorities against any attempt to intimidate or victimise its members following the strike.

“Let it be clearly stated: any attempt to victimise our members will be met with firm, coordinated, and uncompromising resistance from NARD at all levels,” the statement warned.

It further cautioned that continued repression could escalate tensions, potentially leading to coordinated regional or nationwide industrial action.

Citing global and local concerns over healthcare worker safety, NARD called for urgent legal reforms, including legislation to criminalise assaults on medical personnel and enforce strict penalties.

“The time has come for concrete legislative measures to criminalise assaults on healthcare workers and enforce strict penalties against offenders,” it said, adding, “An injury to one doctor is an injury to all.”