(DDM) – The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the alleged assault of a nurse during an official vaccination exercise in Oyo State.
DDM gathered that Nurse Hussein, a community health worker, was reportedly slapped by the Head Mistress of Olanike Dairo Primary and Secondary School while standing peacefully with her colleagues outside the school gate.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as the health team carried out a government-approved Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign targeting children in the school community.
According to the petition signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the assault is disturbing, unacceptable, and represents a direct attack on public health workers performing lawful duties.
The health team had arrived at the school to administer vaccines but was instructed to wait outside while internal discussions were held by the school management, the forum explained.
Nurse Hussein recounted that she obeyed instructions and remained outside the compound, even trying to call back a colleague who entered prematurely.
While waiting, a woman later identified as Madam Bimpe allegedly emerged from the school and physically assaulted her, twisting her face and delivering a heavy slap.
The nurse added that the school official justified the action by claiming she was protecting the school’s image, despite admitting in the presence of Nurse Hussein’s husband that the school historically does not accept vaccines.
The ENF stressed that health workers routinely risk their safety to protect lives and improve public health outcomes, and such acts of violence undermine the authority of government institutions.
The petition requested the Inspector General of Police to order an immediate investigation, prosecute anyone found culpable, and provide protection for health workers during outreach programs.
The forum further demanded a public statement to warn against violence toward healthcare personnel, emphasizing that attacks on nurses will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Nurse Hussein confirmed that her colleagues pleaded with her to apologise to the school official to de-escalate the situation, but she declined, insisting she was following official directives.
According to her testimony, the incident has been formally recorded, highlighting the physical and emotional trauma endured by public health workers during official duties.
The ENF warned that without legal intervention and public awareness, such assaults could discourage health workers from participating in vaccination campaigns and other essential public health programs.
The forum noted that government-endorsed vaccination programs are critical for protecting children and communities, and obstructing these exercises constitutes a broader threat to public health.
DDM reports that the case has drawn attention nationwide, raising concerns about the safety of health workers during routine outreach exercises, particularly in schools with historical resistance to vaccinations.
The petition to the IGP underscores the forum’s commitment to ensuring justice and reinforcing the rule of law for the protection of healthcare professionals.
This incident reflects ongoing challenges faced by nurses in Nigeria, where enforcement of public health initiatives can clash with local interests, sometimes leading to violence against frontline workers.
The ENF has pledged to follow up on the investigation and ensure that lessons are learned to safeguard healthcare delivery in Oyo State and beyond.
