By Peter Taiwo, Abeokuta
Medical services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, may experience disruptions as resident doctors have commenced a three-day warning strike following a security breach at the House Officers’ Quarters within the hospital premises.
The industrial action, which began on Thursday, June 4, 2026, was announced by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FMC Abeokuta, after an Emergency General Meeting held on the same day.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the doctors resolved unanimously to withdraw their services temporarily in protest against what they described as persistent security lapses that have continued to endanger the lives and property of healthcare workers.
The decision followed a recent burglary incident at the House Officers’ Quarters where several personal belongings belonging to medical personnel were reportedly stolen.
Items said to have been carted away by the intruders include five mobile phones, a laptop computer, cash, and a driver’s licence.
The association expressed concern that the incident was not an isolated case but rather another indication of the inadequate security arrangements within the hospital environment.
Resident doctors noted that the latest theft has heightened fears among members, many of whom reside within the hospital quarters and depend on management to provide a secure living and working environment.
Speaking through the communiqué addressed to the Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, the doctors described the current security situation as a significant threat to their welfare and safety.
The association lamented what it called repeated security breaches and the absence of effective measures to prevent criminal activities within the hospital premises.
Consequently, members resolved to embark on a three-day warning strike from June 4 to June 6, 2026, pending assurances from management on immediate steps to address the situation.
The doctors insisted that urgent interventions were necessary to restore confidence among healthcare workers and prevent future occurrences.
Among the demands presented to the hospital management is the replacement of all items stolen from affected members during the recent burglary incident.
The association also called for the replacement of the current security outfit with a more competent and effective security service provider capable of safeguarding lives and property.
Other demands include the provision of adequate lighting around the hospital and residential quarters to improve visibility and discourage criminal activities.
The doctors further requested the installation of functional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations within the hospital premises.
They also urged management to deploy armed security personnel to strengthen surveillance and improve emergency response capabilities.
In addition, the association demanded the establishment of a functional police post staffed by active police officers within or close to the residential quarters.
The communiqué also recommended the construction or reinforcement of perimeter fencing around the quarters to restrict unauthorized access into the facility.
Furthermore, the resident doctors called for regular security patrols, particularly during nighttime, when criminal activities are more likely to occur.
Despite the strike action, the association reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a cordial relationship with the hospital management, stressing that the welfare and security of healthcare workers remain critical to the delivery of quality healthcare services.
The communiqué, jointly signed by the ARD President, Dr. Olanipekun Quadri Arise-Kola, and the Assistant General Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Alawode, urged management to act swiftly to address the concerns and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
