Nurses demand action over killing of colleague in Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector (NANNM-FHI), on Tuesday, said it was heartbroken over the murder of Nurse Chinemerem Chukwumeziem of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja.

In a statement, the National Secretary of NANNM-FHI, Enya Osinachi, condemned the killing and called for urgent action to protect nurses facing rising insecurity across the country.

Osinachi explained that the nurse had completed her afternoon shift – during which she cared for patients with devotion – and boarded public transport to return home, but fell victim to a violent criminal attack just days into the new year.

Osinachi noted that nurses were not only essential caregivers, but also primary breadwinners, emphasising that when a nurse was killed, the nation lost patients, morale and public trust, urging decisive action to ensure such tragedy became a turning point for healthcare workers’ safety.

The association described the killing as a grim reflection of worsening insecurity threatening healthcare workers, particularly nurses who must endure long shifts and unsafe commutes after duty hours in various Nigerian cities.

While expressing solidarity with the victim’s family and colleagues, NANNM-FHI stressed that sympathy was insufficient without concrete government measures to guarantee the safety of nurses in hospitals, clinics and communities.

The association urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, arrest the perpetrators and improve security around hospitals and transit routes.

It also called for the provision of staff transport and the formal recognition of nurses as “high-risk” essential workers through policy reforms, adequate funding and law enforcement.

Furthermore, the body sought improved hazard allowances, life insurance, welfare support for families and regular security risk assessments to prevent further loss of lives within the health sector. (NAN)

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