The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the brutal killings in Yelwata and Daudu communities of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, where over 200 lives were reportedly lost in a two-day attack by suspected herdsmen.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara on Monday, NARD described the killings as a national tragedy with grave implications for the country’s fragile healthcare system, especially in conflict-prone regions like Benue, Katsina, and Zamfara.
“The mounting death toll is a potential for humanitarian crisis and epidemics which will overwhelm the ability of health workers to cope,” Osundara warned. “Unfortunately, it appears that the government lacks the necessary resources to protect life and property.”
NARD specifically mourned the loss of a young pharmacist, Matthew Lormba, describing his death as symbolic of the growing threat faced by healthcare providers nationwide. “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 statement noted.
Osundara emphasized the ripple effects of the violence on the already stretched health sector. “The strength of the health workforce has diminished; some health workers were caught in the crossfire. Doctors are increasingly anxious about working in unsafe regions, which has worsened access to healthcare in underserved communities.”
He also expressed deep concern about the psychological toll on medical professionals working under such traumatic and unsafe conditions. “Burnout and mental health issues are unsettling and worrisome. This attack has struck at the heart of our food production, leading to supply shortages and rising food prices that threaten child nutrition.”
NARD further decried the widespread violence in Katsina, Zamfara, and other volatile areas, noting that over 10,000 lives have been lost across Nigeria in the past two years due to similar conflicts, resulting in mass displacement and increasing numbers of out-of-school children.
The association called on the federal and state governments to urgently implement lasting security strategies to stem the violence and protect healthcare workers and citizens alike. “There must be an immediate stop to the nationwide bloodshed to avert a looming disaster,” Osundara urged. “Our condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. May God rest their souls.”
What you should know
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the deadly attacks in Benue State that claimed over 200 lives, warning of a looming humanitarian and healthcare crisis.
The association mourned the loss of healthcare professionals, including a young pharmacist, and highlighted the growing risks faced by doctors working in conflict-prone areas.
NARD stressed that ongoing violence in regions like Benue, Katsina, and Zamfara is weakening Nigeria’s healthcare system, disrupting food production, and fueling mental health challenges among medical personnel.
The group urged the government to implement lasting security measures to safeguard lives, restore stability, and protect essential health services.
