The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has condemned the brutal killing of an Abuja-based nurse, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem by some suspected ‘one chance’ operators in the Federal Capital Territory.
Chuwumeziem, a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre Jabi was said to been killed by the suspected criminals on January 3, while on her way home from work.
In a statement issued by Jama D. Medan, the Chairman of NANNM), late Chuwumeziem boarded a vehicle after work but never made it home alive as her lifeless body was later discovered, dumped in a most inhumane and heartbreaking manner.
Describing her killing as wicked and senseless, Medan said such an act is not only an attack on the nursing profession but also an assault on healthcare workers and humanity at large.
“We hereby call on the entire security architecture in the Federal Capital Territory—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—to immediately conduct a thorough, transparent, and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice without delay.
“The continuous harassment and attacks on nurses have further exposed the alarming level of insecurity faced daily by healthcare workers, particularly while commuting to and from duty. Our lives are no longer safe. Nurses leave their homes daily to save lives, yet many are uncertain of returning alive to their families,” Medan warned.
The association’s chairman further called in the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to outline efforts towards strengthening the security architecture of the capital city and it’s environs.
“Where feasible, government should also provide safe and organised transportation for nurses to and from their places of work to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
“Furthermore, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Management of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, as well as nurses in the FCT and across Nigeria, over this painful and irreparable loss of our beloved daughter and dear colleague. We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength and fortitude to bear this devastating loss.
“We demand justice for our fallen colleague and urgent government intervention to guarantee the safety and security of all nurses and healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory. Anything short of decisive action will further expose nurses to danger and erode public confidence in the nation’s security system,” Medan added.