The Ekiti State Government has strongly condemned the recent assault on health workers at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti, warning that attacks on medical personnel in the state will not be tolerated.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, in a statement released on Sunday, expressed concern over the incident which occurred on Friday when some accident victims, while receiving treatment, allegedly turned violent and physically attacked doctors and nurses on duty.
Filani, who described the act as “totally unacceptable,” stressed that health workers in the state operate under strenuous conditions to preserve lives and provide critical care for citizens. He vowed that perpetrators of violence against healthcare professionals would face sanctions in line with the law.
“This unacceptable act of aggression has been promptly reported to the Nigeria Police Force and appropriate investigations and legal actions are already underway,” he said. “Those found guilty of attacking health workers will face the full weight of the law. Violence is never the answer.”
The commissioner further emphasized that harassment, intimidation, or violence against medical personnel will not be tolerated under any circumstances. According to him, an attack on health workers is not only an attack on individuals but also a threat to the collective well-being and access to timely, quality healthcare in the state.
“Hospitals are centres of healing and compassion. Turning them into grounds of violence is deeply disturbing and counterproductive. In moments of crisis, restraint, patience, and mutual respect are essential,” Filani added.
He appealed to residents of Ekiti State to remain calm and to channel any grievances through lawful and civil avenues rather than resorting to violence. He reassured citizens that the government, under Governor Biodun Oyebanji, was committed to ensuring the safety of both patients and health workers across the state.
The commissioner also disclosed that the state government is collaborating closely with security agencies and hospital management to strengthen security measures in medical facilities to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“Together, let us uphold the sanctity of our health institutions and protect those who have sworn to protect and preserve our lives,” he stated.
The Nigeria Education News recalls that EKSUTH has previously witnessed incidents of violence against health workers. In January 2024, doctors and nurses at the hospital embarked on strike following an attack by hoodlums after the death of a patient.
During that incident, the hoodlums reportedly vandalised the Accident and Emergency Unit, assaulted hospital staff, and forcibly removed the corpse of the deceased. The development led to a major disruption of medical services in the state.
Following police investigations, six suspects were later arraigned in court on charges including conspiracy, vandalism, wilful destruction of government property, threatening violence, and assaulting health workers at EKSUTH.
Stakeholders in the state’s health sector have since called for stronger legal protections for medical personnel to curb the growing trend of violence in hospitals. Many have also advocated for public sensitization to remind residents that hospitals should remain safe spaces for both caregivers and patients.
The Ekiti State Government’s latest warning is therefore seen as part of broader efforts to ensure that health workers can perform their duties without fear of harassment or violence, while also safeguarding the delivery of quality healthcare across the state.
