The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute a suspect who allegedly stabbed a health worker at the Federal Medical Centre in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the call in a statement released on Monday night.

Salako condemned the attack on Mr Lawal Olasunkanmi, a medical laboratory scientist at the hospital, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He stressed that no amount of grief, frustration or dissatisfaction with medical care could justify violence against a health worker simply doing his job.

The minister said the ministry would closely follow the case to ensure the alleged assailant faces justice. He noted that the incident highlighted the urgent need to implement measures earlier directed by the ministry to better protect health workers in federal tertiary hospitals. These include stronger security arrangements, violence-prevention teams, better incident reporting and closer cooperation with law-enforcement agencies.

Salako also appealed to health workers who had started industrial action at the hospital to return to work immediately in the interest of patients and the public. He urged them to allow security authorities to handle the investigation while the hospital management ensures the injured staff member receives proper medical care and support.

The minister extended the government’s condolences to the family of the deceased patient and reminded anyone unhappy with hospital services to use the formal complaints system.

He emphasised that health facilities must remain safe places where staff can work without fear and patients can seek care with confidence.