ATBUTH Nurse Attacked by Relatives; Eardrum Ruptured Following Failed Resuscitation Efforts
Bauchi, Nigeria – 15 March 2026
A nurse working the night shift at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi was physically assaulted by relatives of a patient who died during emergency care.
The attack left the nurse with a ruptured tympanic membrane – the medical term for the eardrum – an injury that can cause pain, hearing loss and long-term complications if untreated.
What Happened
Two nurses were on duty in the Emergency Medical Unit on 13 March when oxygen supplies ran low. A health care assistant was sent to fetch a fresh cylinder.
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One nurse was already treating a patient in severe respiratory distress, performing suctioning. A relative then called for urgent help with another patient – the relative’s father.
The nurse responded immediately, assessed the man as critically ill and called the on-call doctor. Moments later the patient went into cardiac arrest. Resuscitation began at once.
As efforts continued, five relatives allegedly turned violent. They beat the nurse, damaged hospital equipment and created chaos. Other staff and the doctor withdrew to safety, leaving the nurse alone to face the group.
Eyewitness accounts from healthcare staff confirm the medical team followed every required protocol. The assault, they say, was unjustified.
Injury and Immediate Impact
The nurse sustained a direct blow to the ear, resulting in tympanic membrane rupture. Colleagues describe the scene as chaotic and frightening. The injured nurse has since received medical attention, but the emotional toll remains heavy.
A Growing Pattern of Violence
This incident is not isolated. Studies across Nigerian hospitals show workplace violence affects between 64% and 88% of health workers, with nurses most often targeted. Patient relatives are the main perpetrators in the majority of cases.
Similar attacks have occurred recently at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta. In each case, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has demanded swift investigations and stronger protections.
Understaffing, resource shortages and poor communication during high-pressure moments are frequently cited as triggers. Yet experts stress that no operational challenge justifies violence against those trying to save lives.
Calls for Urgent Action
Hospital management and security authorities must identify the attackers and bring them to justice without delay.
Nursing advocates across the state are calling for:
- Permanent security presence in emergency units
- De-escalation training for all staff
- Clear reporting systems and legal support for victims
- Better staffing and reliable supplies to reduce tension
An injury to one healthcare worker is an injury to the entire system. When nurses fear for their safety, patient care suffers.
ATBUTH has not yet issued an official statement. Updates will be monitored closely.
Fellow Nurses Africa will continue to report on this case and similar incidents until accountability is achieved and lasting protections are in place.
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