The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the killing of over 200 persons in Yelwata, Benue State, including Matthew Lormba, a young pharmacist.
In a statement on Monday, Osundara Tope, NARD president, described Lormba’s death as heartbreaking and a grim reminder of how vulnerable health workers have become in the face of growing insecurity.
“The killing of promising young pharmacist Matthew Lormba is a stark reminder that health workers are now endangered species of humans in the state and across Nigeria,” Tope said.
He described the continued bloodshed in Benue as “alarming and condemnable,” adding that it is stretching an already fragile health system.
“The constant bloodletting is taking its toll on an already thinly stretched and fragile health system in Benue State,” the group said.
According to NARD, the rising death toll could spark a humanitarian crisis and disease outbreaks that will overwhelm doctors and nurses.
The group expressed concern that the government appears unable to fulfill its basic duty of protecting lives and property.
“Protecting and ensuring the right to life is a core duty of government at both state and federal levels,” the statement said.
NARD warned that the persistent violence is forcing many health workers to abandon their posts, especially in remote areas, for fear of being caught in the crossfire.
“The violent attack has increased threats to the safety of doctors with several complaints about the security of our members.
“Burnout and mental health issues are unsettling and worrisome as it is affecting the ability of doctors to provide needed care,” the association said.
NARD also linked the violence to declining food production, warning that it could worsen malnutrition among children.
“This attack is at the very heart of our food production. Shortages in supply and rising prices will put more children at risk of malnutrition,” the group noted.
The association called on the government to act swiftly and decisively to end the killings and restore security in Benue and other crisis-hit regions.
“There must be an immediate stop to the nationwide bloodshed to avert a looming disaster,” the statement said.
NARD further urged the government to implement workable security measures and stop mischaracterizing armed insurgents as herders or bandits.
“Government must develop strategies to put a break on Nigeria’s mortality experiences due to growing violence and conflicts,” it said.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
