The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the bloodshed in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where suspected herdsmen allegedly k!lled over 200 people in a two-day attack.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara, NARD expressed deep concern over the toll such violence is taking on an already strained and fragile healthcare system in Benue State.
NARD also condemned the recent wave of violence in Katsina, Zamfara, and other conflict-prone regions across the country.
According to him, the recent violence has further weakened the state’s health workforce, with some health professionals directly affected by the attacks.
Osundara said, “The mounting death toll is a potential for humanitarian crisis and epidemics which will overwhelm the ability of health workers to cope. Unfortunately, it appears that the government lacks the necessary resources to protect life and property.
“Protecting and ensuring the right to life is a core duty of government at both the State and Federal levels. The violence has diminished the strength of the health workforce in the state, as some health workers were unfortunately caught in the middle of the crisis.”
NARD particularly mourned the death of a young pharmacist, Matthew Lormba, whose killing the association described as symbolic of the broader threat to healthcare providers across Nigeria
“The killing of promising young Pharmacist Matthew Lormba is a stark reminder that health workers are now an endangered Species in the state and across Nigeria.
“The violent attack has increased threats to the safety of doctors, with several complaints about the security of our members. The increasing anxiety is negatively impacting their willingness to work in certain areas.
“It is deeply concerning as it does not align with the concept of universal health coverage, especially for those in underserved communities. This has further depleted access to Primary health care with absenteeism of health workers due to security concerns,” he stated.
Osundara also raised alarms over the psychological burden on doctors working under such conditions, as well as the ripple effects on agriculture, food supply, and child nutrition.
“Burnout and mental health issues are unsettling and worrisome, as it is affecting the ability of doctors to provide needed care. This attack is at the very heart of our food production; thus, production decline, shortage of food supply, and increased food prices put our children at risk of malnutrition.
“We also frown vehemently at all k!llings and all forms of violence in Kastina, Zamfara, and other volatile regions of Nigeria in the recent past.
“Over 10,000 people have been k!lled across Nigeria in the last two years. It has increased the wave of displacement and out-of-school children, with many losing their means of livelihood,” Osundara noted.
He called on government authorities at all levels to implement practical and lasting security strategies to prevent further escalation, especially in the North Central and North East.
“There must be an immediate stop to the nationwide bloodshed to avert a looming disaster. The government must develop strategies to put a break on Nigeria’s mortality experiences due to growing violence and conflicts.
“Our condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. May God rest their souls,” he concluded
