Tension Mounts At FMC Abeokuta As Doctors Down Tools Over Recurring Theft, Burglaries

By Our Reporter

Uneasy calm has enveloped the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, following allegations of burglary, robbery and recurring theft of staff and patients’ belongings within the facility.

Multiple sources told The Daily Crucible that frustrated medical personnel, who could no longer endure the worsening security situation, have temporarily withdrawn their services to compel the management to take urgent action.

A source close to the specialist healthcare institution alleged that a patient’s car, parked within the premises of FMC Abeokuta, was stolen recently while the patient was receiving treatment from doctors.

The source further disclosed that in the latest invasion of the health facility — particularly the staff residential quarters — several doctors lost laptops, cash, bags, and other valuables to thieves who broke into their homes.

The affected staff – resident doctors – began a three-day service withdrawal on Thursday as a warning strike in protest against the alleged recurring theft and burglaries being experienced by members.

The industrial action was announced by Dr. Olanipekun Arise-Kola, President of the Association of Resident Doctors during an emergency general meeting.

And in a communiqué issued at the end of the said meeting and signed by Dr. Arise-Kola and Assistant General Secretary Olufemi Alawode, the doctors cited “persistent security lapses that have continued to endanger the lives and property of healthcare workers” as the reason for their temporary withdrawal of services.

The breach and theft occurred at the House Officers’ Quarters, with stolen items including five mobile phones, one laptop, cash, and a driver’s licence.

It was gathered that the facility previously had security support from police personnel and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). However, the arrangement was reportedly discontinued shortly after the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Adewale Musa Olomu as the Centre’s Chief Medical Director (CMD).

Dr (Mrs) Sarah Titilola Ibiyemi, the current and first female Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, was appointed in November 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

As of the time of filing this report, the hospital management had yet to comment on the development, while the police denied claims of any robbery incident at the facility.

However, reacting to the incident, the Ogun State Police Command debunked reports of armed robbery at the medical facility, clarifying that the case involved burglary and stealing.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, “On 04/06/2026 at about 1650hrs, some medical doctors reported at the station that they woke up at about 0400hrs and discovered that their apartment within the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta premises had been broken into while they were asleep.”

The police added that the complainants reported that unknown persons stole mobile phones, laptops, cash, bags, and other valuables from the apartments.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident is a case of burglary and stealing, as there was no report or evidence of armed robbery. Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” he added.