Medical doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) have suspended services following the alleged physical assault of one of their colleagues by a woman who reportedly lost her child at the facility.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at the hospital’s Paediatrics Department after the child’s death. According to reports, the bereaved mother allegedly attacked the doctor, who is currently receiving treatment, while the suspect has been arrested and investigations are ongoing.

Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) staged a peaceful protest across the hospital on Thursday, condemning what they described as repeated attacks on healthcare workers. Speaking during the protest, the association’s spokesperson, Dr. E. Oladepo, said the latest incident was the third assault on a doctor at the hospital and called on members of the public to stop acts of violence against medical personnel.

The protest disrupted medical services, leaving many out-patients unattended for several hours. Although consultants were expected to provide emergency care, a source said the industrial action could last up to five days as the doctors demand justice for their assaulted colleague.