The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has raised alarm over what it described as another attack on a nurse in Abuja by suspected “one-chance” robbers.

The incident, according to the association, occurred after the nurse closed from her afternoon shift at Wuse General Hospital. She was said to have stayed back to assist a colleague in stabilising a critical patient in the Intensive Care Unit before she was attacked.

Chairman of the FCT NANNM, Dr. Jama D. Medan, in a statement on Wednesday, condemned the assault and called for urgent measures to protect healthcare workers across the territory.

“This dedicated nurse had stayed behind after her shift to assist the night-duty nurse in stabilising a critical patient in the ICU—an act of selfless service—only to be attacked, beaten, and left seriously wounded,” Medan said.

He disclosed that the nurse is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit.

Medan said the latest incident has heightened concerns over the safety of nurses commuting to and from work in Abuja. He recalled a previous case involving a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi.

“This disturbing incident revives the painful memory of our colleague who was brutally murdered at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, a case that remains fresh in our hearts,” he said.

The association noted that nurses working in areas including Wuse, Asokoro, Kubwa, Maitama, Kuje and Gwarinpa have become increasingly vulnerable to attacks.

“The repeated and continuous attacks on nurses across the FCT are unacceptable and must stop immediately,” Medan stated.

He called for a comprehensive investigation into the latest assault and urged security agencies to apprehend those responsible.

“We therefore demand a thorough and immediate investigation into these attacks, with a clear commitment to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all perpetrators to serve as a deterrent to others. The safety of nurses and other healthcare workers must be treated as a matter of urgent national concern,” he said.

The NANNM chairman also appealed to the FCT Minister to direct security agencies to intensify surveillance around hospitals and patrol vulnerable bus stops.

“We call on the Honourable Minister of the FCT to urgently direct the FCT Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to strengthen surveillance around hospitals, patrol vulnerable bus stops, and ensure swift justice for affected nurses,” Medan said.

“No healthcare worker should risk their life simply for serving humanity.”

He added that fear now shadows the daily duties of nurses in the territory.

“Nurses cannot continue to serve under constant threat to their lives. We demand immediate, decisive, and sustained action to guarantee the safety and security of all nurses and healthcare workers in the Territory,” he added. (Daily Trust)