Doctors and other medical workers at the General Hospital Ogwashi Uku, located in the Aniocha South local government area of Delta State, have resumed their duties. This development comes in the wake of an apology issued by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass, to the hospital management regarding the assault of a medical doctor by a mobile policeman.
In a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police expressed his regret and stated that the officer’s conduct was unbecoming of a police officer. The statement further assured the victim of justice, emphasizing that the officer responsible would be identified and appropriately dealt with.
Following the attack on the doctor, the permanent secretary of the state health management board, Dr. Paul Okunbor, had previously condemned the incident. On Monday, he visited the hospital to interact with the medical team and address the situation.
Medical services at the hospital had been disrupted since last week Thursday when a female doctor, who was on national youth service, was assaulted by a policeman. In solidarity with their colleague, other doctors decided to suspend their duties until the relevant authorities took action against the erring officer.
The incident unfolded when some policemen, who were accompanying VIPs to a burial ceremony in Ogwashi Uku town, brought injured individuals to the hospital. Tensions escalated during the ensuing altercation at the funeral, leading to one of the policemen displaying hostile behavior in the emergency ward. He proceeded to physically assault the doctor, striking her severely, kicking her, and dragging her to the ground until other staff members intervened to rescue her.
Upon receiving the distressing report, the Commissioner of Police promptly contacted the chief medical director of the hospital to extend his sincere apology and assure him that the officer responsible would be identified and held accountable for his actions. The Commissioner then directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Ogwashi-Uku division to conduct an immediate investigation and ensure that the officer involved faced the consequences.
Preliminary investigations revealed that on the day of the incident, a burial ceremony took place in Ogwashi-Uku, attended by VIPs from various parts of the country, many of whom were accompanied by their escorts. The command strongly condemned the officer’s behavior, emphasizing that no Nigerian citizen or resident should be subjected to such treatment by the police or anyone else.
The resumption of duties by the medical workers brings a sense of relief to the General Hospital Ogwashi Uku, as steps are being taken to address the assault and ensure justice prevails. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rights and safety of both medical professionals and the general public in all interactions with law enforcement agencies.