The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Capital Territory Council, has condemned in the strongest terms the brutal killing of one of its members, Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, a staff of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, describing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy and a grave assault on the nursing profession and humanity.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the association expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the death of the young nurse, who was said to have been in active service and committed to saving lives up until her final hours. According to NANNM, Nurse Chuwumeziem had completed her afternoon duty on January 3, 2026, and boarded a vehicle to return home, but never arrived at her destination.
Her lifeless body was later discovered, dumped in what the association described as a cruel, inhumane, and distressing manner. The circumstances surrounding her death have sparked widespread anger and renewed concerns over the safety of healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory and across the country.
“This wicked and senseless act is not only an attack on the nursing profession but also an assault on healthcare workers and humanity at large,” the association said, noting that the killing has left nurses traumatized and fearful for their lives.
NANNM stated that Nurse Chuwumeziem had spent her day rendering selfless service to humanity, caring for patients and contributing to the nation’s fragile healthcare system, only to be violently taken away while simply trying to return home after work. The association described her death as unjust and unacceptable, stressing that no society should tolerate such violence against those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
The association called on the entire security architecture in the Federal Capital Territory to immediately rise to the challenge and ensure that justice is served. Specifically, NANNM urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to carry out a thorough, transparent, and professional investigation into the killing.
“We demand that the perpetrators of this heinous crime be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay,” the statement said. “Anything short of justice will further embolden criminals and expose nurses and other healthcare workers to continued danger.”
According to the association, the killing of Nurse Chuwumeziem is part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, attacks, and insecurity faced by nurses and other health workers, particularly while commuting to and from their places of duty. It warned that the growing level of insecurity has made it increasingly difficult for healthcare professionals to carry out their responsibilities without fear.
“Our lives are no longer safe,” NANNM said. “Nurses leave their homes every day to save lives, yet many are uncertain of returning alive to their families. This is an unacceptable reality that must be urgently addressed.”
The association stressed that nurses often work long hours, including early morning and late night shifts, which expose them to heightened risks, especially in poorly secured areas and transport corridors. It noted that many healthcare workers rely on public transportation, making them vulnerable to attacks, abductions, and other forms of violence.
In light of the tragic incident, NANNM issued a strong appeal to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to take immediate and decisive action to improve security. The association called for enhanced security presence around all hospitals and healthcare facilities in the FCT, as well as at major junctions and bus stops where nurses and other health workers board vehicles.
Special attention, the association said, should be given to periods when nurses are most vulnerable, particularly during early morning and late night shifts. It also urged the FCT Administration to explore the provision of safe, organized, and reliable transportation for nurses and other healthcare workers commuting to and from work.
“Where feasible, government should provide secure transportation to prevent further loss of innocent lives,” the statement said, adding that such measures would not only protect healthcare workers but also strengthen the health system by ensuring that nurses can perform their duties without fear.
NANNM warned that failure to address the safety concerns of nurses would have far reaching consequences for the healthcare sector and public confidence in the nation’s security framework. According to the association, persistent insecurity could discourage professionals from working in critical health facilities and worsen the already strained healthcare workforce.
The association also extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased nurse, describing the loss as painful and irreparable. It expressed sympathy with the management and staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, as well as nurses across the FCT and the rest of the country, who are mourning the death of their colleague.
“We share in your grief and pray that God grants you the strength and fortitude to bear this devastating loss,” the statement said, referring to the bereaved family and colleagues of Nurse Chuwumeziem.
NANNM described the deceased as a beloved daughter, a committed professional, and a colleague whose life was cut short in a cruel and unjust manner. It said her death has left a deep scar within the nursing community and has renewed calls for urgent reforms to protect those on the frontlines of healthcare delivery.
The association reiterated its demand for justice, stressing that the killers must not be allowed to go free. It warned that anything short of decisive action would further expose nurses to danger and erode trust in the ability of authorities to protect citizens.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, FCT Council, Comrade Jama D. Medan, who emphasized that the association would continue to speak out until concrete steps are taken to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
As investigations are awaited, the killing of Nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem has once again brought national attention to the risks faced by healthcare workers and the urgent need for improved security measures to protect those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
