Anurse with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumezie, has been murdered by suspected “one-chance” criminals after closing from late duty, sparking fresh outrage over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

SaharaReporters learnt that Chinemerem, a frontline health worker, was attacked while returning home after work in the Federal Capital Territory.

Reacting to the incident, the Elegant Nurses Forum condemned the murder and the rising wave of insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum described the killing as a painful and unacceptable loss and accused the government of failing to protect citizens, especially essential workers.

The statement read, “We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murder of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja. She was murdered by suspected “one-chance” criminals while returning home after a late duty on Saturday.

“This is a painful and unacceptable loss. Nurse Chinemerem was a dedicated health worker who spent her life caring for others, only to be failed by a system that could not guarantee her safety.”

The group stressed that the incident was not isolated but part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting workers nationwide.

“Health workers are compelled to work late hours, night shifts, and emergency duties, yet are left to navigate unsafe roads and transport systems without protection. These deaths are preventable. A responsible government would not allow workers, especially essential workers, to be exposed to such risks daily,” the forum added.

The Elegant Nurses Forum also criticised labour unions and trade union leaders for what it described as disturbing silence in the face of growing attacks on workers.

“Workers are being kidnapped, assaulted, and killed, yet there is no coordinated, firm response that matches the gravity of the situation. Silence in times like this amounts to complicity,” they said.

The forum made several demands, including an immediate and thorough investigation into Chinemerem’s murder and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

It also called for government-funded staff shuttle services for workers in major institutions such as hospitals, especially for late-night and early-morning shifts.

“We therefore make the following clear demands: Immediate and thorough investigation into the murder of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, with the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.

“Provision of government-funded staff shuttle services in major workplaces, including hospitals, to convey workers safely to their homes or designated safe drop-off points, especially for late-night and early-morning shifts.

“Strengthening of security around health institutions and major worker routes, including visible policing, intelligence-driven patrols, and rapid response units.

“Formal recognition of health workers as high-risk essential workers, with specific safety policies to protect them during and after duty hours,” they said.

According to the statement, “Immediate action by trade unions and labour movements to break their silence, publicly confront government failures on insecurity, and actively defend the lives of workers.

“Accountability from government officials responsible for internal security, with measurable actions rather than empty assurances.

“The life of every Nigerian matters. The life of every Nurse matters. Nurses cannot continue to save lives by day and be abandoned to death by night. Enough is enough.

“The Elegant Nurses Forum stands in solidarity with the family, colleagues, and loved ones of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem. We demand justice, safety, and responsible governance now, not after more lives are lost,” they added.

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest and Interesting News Across Nigeria and the World