The Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the recent abduction of three nurses at a primary healthcare centre in Akure, calling on the state government to urgently strengthen security for health workers.

In a statement released Tuesday, the chairman of Ondo NMA, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the state, noting that health workers, whose primary role is to save lives, are increasingly becoming targets of criminals. The nurses were reportedly abducted and robbed at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Oke Ijebu, but were later rescued by operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun).

Dr. Olumuyiwa linked the incident to wider security lapses across the state, citing recent attacks and kidnappings in Akoko, Uso, Ilu Abo, and along Oda Road in Akure. He urged the government to provide adequate funding and motivation to the police and Amotekun Corps, and recommended the establishment of a stakeholders’ committee to develop a comprehensive security master plan for health facilities.

The association also called for the release of an intervention fund to address security gaps in both urban and rural health centres and encouraged facility managers to engage health workers on security matters. Dr. Olumuyiwa stressed that while the NMA remains committed to residents’ well-being, health workers cannot continue to operate under fear and insecurity.

He concluded by urging the Ondo State Government to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves, ensuring the safety of all health personnel across the state.