The Federal Capital Territory has once again been shaken by a disturbing one chance incident involving a nurse who was reportedly attacked while returning home after duty in Abuja.
The development has triggered renewed concerns over the safety of healthcare workers who commute daily across the city.
The FCT chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) confirmed the assault in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
According to the association, the victim had just concluded her afternoon shift at Wuse General Hospital when the incident occurred.
Rather than leave immediately after work, the nurse reportedly stayed back to support a colleague on night duty.
She had assisted in stabilising a critically ill patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), demonstrating what the association described as professional dedication and compassion.
It was after leaving the hospital premises that she allegedly fell victim to a suspected one chance gang.
Chairman of the FCT NANNM, Dr. Jama D. Medan, condemned the attack, describing it as heartbreaking and unacceptable.
He disclosed that the nurse sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical care in an intensive care unit.
According to Medan, the nurse’s commitment to patient care makes the incident even more painful.
He explained that she extended her shift purely out of concern for a life-threatening emergency, only to encounter violence on her way home.
“This nurse remained behind after closing hours to assist in saving a patient’s life. It is deeply troubling that such selfless service was rewarded with brutality,” he said.
The association stressed that the recent one chance attack is not an isolated case.
It noted that healthcare workers in several districts of Abuja — including Wuse, Asokoro, Kubwa, Maitama, Kuje, and Gwarinpa — have increasingly become targets while commuting, particularly during late hours.
Medan recalled a previous tragedy involving a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, whose killing left colleagues devastated.
He stated that the memory of that incident remains fresh and continues to heighten anxiety among members of the profession.
The union leader warned that the persistent threat of one chance criminals has created an atmosphere of fear among nurses who already work under demanding conditions.
Many, he said, now worry not only about patient outcomes but also about their personal safety once they leave hospital grounds.
He described the trend as alarming and called for urgent intervention from security agencies.
According to him, repeated attacks on essential workers undermine the healthcare system and discourage morale.
“The continuous targeting of nurses is unacceptable. These are professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
“They should not be forced to fear for their own lives while commuting to and from duty,” Medan stated.
The association demanded a comprehensive investigation into the latest case, urging law enforcement authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Medan emphasised that swift justice would serve as a deterrent and help restore confidence among healthcare personnel.
“We expect immediate and decisive action. Those behind this criminal act must be tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Beyond investigation, the union also appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen security around hospitals and high-risk transit points.
It urged the FCT Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security bodies to intensify patrols at vulnerable bus stops known for one chance operations.
The statement further highlighted the broader implications of insecurity on healthcare delivery.
According to the association, persistent threats could affect attendance, punctuality, and the willingness of nurses to accept late shifts.
Medan added that fear now shadows the daily routine of many healthcare professionals in Abuja.
He warned that if urgent steps are not taken, the psychological toll on workers could have long-term consequences.
“No healthcare worker should risk their life simply for serving humanity,” he stressed.
“We need immediate, sustained measures that guarantee the safety of nurses and other frontline professionals.”
Residents of the FCT have also expressed growing concern over rising reports of one chance crimes, particularly targeting commuters who board unregistered or deceptive commercial vehicles.
Civil society groups have repeatedly called for enhanced surveillance, better street lighting, and stricter monitoring of public transportation networks.
Security analysts say coordinated patrols, intelligence gathering, and community awareness campaigns could help reduce the menace.
They also recommend that commuters remain vigilant and report suspicious vehicles or activities promptly.
For many nurses in Abuja, however, reassurance must come in the form of visible security action.
The association insists that protecting healthcare workers is not merely a labour issue but a matter of public interest.
As investigations into the latest assault continue, the FCT NANNM has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for stronger protective measures.
It maintains that addressing the threat of one chance attacks is essential to ensuring that nurses can perform their duties without constant fear.
Ireport247news
About The Author
