Nurses in Ogun protested after a consultant surgeon allegedly assaulted a student nurse, demanding justice and action from the government.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]urses in Ogun State protested after a consultant surgeon allegedly assaulted a final-year student nurse at Ogun State Hospital, Ijaye.

The nurses, led by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), demanded justice and action from the government, carrying placards that condemned the bullying and assault of nurses.

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Despite notifying hospital management, no action has been taken, prompting the peaceful demonstration.

Nurses at Ogun State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, alongside colleagues from across the state, staged a protest on Thursday to demand justice after a consultant surgeon allegedly assaulted a final-year nursing student.

The incident occurred on 24th September, when Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Nurudeen Adekunle, reportedly slapped the student nurse in the theatre suite.

Despite the nurses’ efforts to resolve the matter, no satisfactory response has been received from the hospital management or the government.

The protest, organised by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), was led by its state chairman, Adejoke Bello.

Nurses carried placards with messages such as “End bullying of nurses” and “Zero tolerance for nurses bullying” to highlight their grievances.

According to Bello, the protest was necessary after their written complaints to the hospital management went unanswered.

Bello called for justice, urging that the consultant be held accountable for violating public service rules. Similarly, Lola Idowu Falujo, Unit Chairman of NANNM, condemned the doctor’s actions, highlighting the need to protect nurses from such assaults in the workplace.

The Permanent Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, Dr Mrs Olayinka Elemide, assured the protesters that the government is aware of the situation and is taking steps to address the issue through proper channels.