The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the killings in Yelwata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Council, Benue State, where over 200 people were reportedly killed in a two-day attack by suspected herders.
In a statement issued yesterday, NARD President, Dr Tope Osundara, expressed concern over the impact of the violence on Benue’s already fragile healthcare system.
“The mounting death toll is a potential precursor to humanitarian crises and epidemics, which will overwhelm the ability of health workers to cope,” Osundara said. “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.”
Osundara lamented the death of health workers caught in the crisis, highlighting the murder of a pharmacist, Matthew Lormba, as a stark example of the growing threat to healthcare providers in the country.
He said, “The killing of promising young pharmacist Matthew Lormba is a reminder that health workers are now an endangered species in Benue and across Nigeria. This violent attack has increased threats to doctors’ safety, with complaints of insecurity discouraging many from working in vulnerable areas. This situation undermines universal health coverage, especially in underserved communities.”
Osundara warned that the insecurity has led to absenteeism among health workers, further limiting access to primary healthcare in affected areas. He also pointed out the psychological toll on doctors working under such conditions, alongside the broader effects on agriculture, food supply, and child nutrition.
“Burnout and mental health issues among doctors are unsettling and worrisome, as they affect the ability to provide needed care. This attack strikes at the heart of our food production. A decline in agricultural output, food shortages, and increased prices put children at heightened risk of malnutrition,” he said.
