Resident doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have commenced a three-day warning strike following a security breach and burglary at the House Officers’ Quarters within the hospital premises.

The industrial action was triggered by the theft of several valuables during the incident, including mobile phones, laptops, cash and other personal belongings belonging to doctors residing in the quarters.

The decision to embark on the strike was announced by the Association of Resident Doctors at the hospital in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting held on Thursday.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the association’s President, Dr Olanipekun Arise-Kola, and Assistant General Secretary, Dr Olufemi Alawode.

According to the doctors, the burglary has heightened concerns about the state of security within the hospital environment and underscored what they described as persistent lapses in the protection of staff and their property.

The association stated that the incident represented a serious threat to the safety, welfare and possessions of its members who reside within the hospital premises.

The communiqué read, “Following an emergency meeting convened by members of the Association, it was unanimously resolved that the current security situation poses a significant threat to the safety, welfare, and property of the members of the Association of Resident Doctors within the Hospital premises.

“Members expressed deep dissatisfaction with the repeated security lapses and the apparent absence of effective preventive measures.

“Consequently, members have resolved to embark on a three (3)-day warning strike commencing from today,4th June 2026, to 6th June, 2026, for the management to provide immediate and satisfactory assurances regarding the implementation of concrete security measures.”

As part of efforts to address the security concerns, the resident doctors presented a list of demands to the hospital management.

Among the demands is the replacement of all items stolen from members during the burglary incident.

The doctors also called for a comprehensive review of the existing security arrangement at the medical centre.

They further demanded improved lighting within and around the hospital premises to enhance visibility and deter criminal activities.

The association requested the installation of functional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across strategic locations within the facility.

The doctors also urged management to deploy armed security personnel to strengthen protection around the hospital and residential quarters.

Other demands include the establishment of a police post within or close to the House Officers’ Quarters, reinforcement or construction of perimeter fencing, and the introduction of regular night patrols to improve surveillance and security.

Despite the industrial action, the association maintained that it remains committed to sustaining a cordial relationship with the hospital management.

The doctors, however, stressed that the safety and welfare of healthcare workers must be treated as a top priority.

“We urge management to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves and take immediate steps to address these concerns to prevent further occurrences,” they said.

Reacting to the strike, the management of the Federal Medical Centre expressed regret over the development and appealed for calm and understanding from staff, patients and other stakeholders.

In a statement issued by the Director of Administration, Mr E. K. Apanisile, the hospital management disclosed that it was already engaging relevant authorities to address the concerns raised by the doctors.

The management added that efforts were being intensified to resolve the issues and minimise any disruption to healthcare services during the period of the warning strike.