Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumezie, a nurse at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi, Abuja, has been murdered by suspected “one-chance” criminals while returning home from a late shift, sparking renewed outrage over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
SaharaReporters reports that the frontline health worker was attacked in the Federal Capital Territory shortly after finishing her duties.
The Elegant Nurses Forum condemned the killing, describing it as a “painful and unacceptable loss” and blaming the government for failing to protect essential workers. In a statement signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide on Tuesday, the group said the attack reflects a broader pattern of insecurity affecting workers across the country.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murder of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumezie. She was murdered by suspected ‘one-chance’ criminals while returning home after a late duty on Saturday. Nurse Chinemerem devoted her life to caring for others, yet she was abandoned to danger by a system that failed to guarantee her safety,” the statement read.
The forum stressed that health workers are often required to work late hours and emergency shifts without adequate protection, making them vulnerable to attacks. It also criticised labour unions for remaining silent in the face of rising violence against workers.
The Elegant Nurses Forum issued several urgent demands, including a thorough investigation into Chuwumezie’s murder, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and the provision of government-funded staff shuttles for workers during late-night and early-morning shifts.
The group also called for stronger security around hospitals and major worker routes, formal recognition of health workers as high-risk essential personnel, and decisive action from trade unions to challenge government inaction.
“The life of every Nigerian matters. The life of every nurse matters. Nurses cannot continue to save lives by day and be left vulnerable to death by night. Enough is enough. We stand in solidarity with the family, colleagues, and loved ones of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumezie. We demand justice, safety, and responsible governance now,” the statement concluded.