Remembering Margaret Archibong: A Nurse’s Tragic Battle with Domestic Abuse
Lagos, Nigeria – 12:39 PM BST, Tuesday, June 17, 2025 –
The Nigerian nursing community is deeply saddened by the loss of Margaret Archibong, a 35-year-old nursing officer whose life ended tragically on June 7, 2025, after years of alleged domestic abuse and multiple suicide attempts. This heartbreaking incident, reported on June 16, 2025, shines a spotlight on the serious dangers faced by female nurses, sparking a nationwide call for change.
Sources close to Margaret shared that this dedicated nurse endured prolonged domestic violence, which reached a devastating peak when her husband allegedly beat her brutally. She was rushed to the General Hospital in Igando but was pronounced dead on arrival. Those who knew her say this final act of violence came after a long struggle that had already driven her to desperate measures.
According to sources close to her, Margaret’s pain included a documented suicide attempt last year, when she ingested pesticide while pregnant. She needed six pints of blood to survive, a clear sign of the intense physical and emotional toll she faced. Despite trying to escape the abuse, she was reportedly encouraged by her church to stay in the marriage and pray, which may have prevented her from seeking safety sooner.
Margaret, fondly called “Mma Etubom” by her peers from the School of Nursing Eket, was a beloved mentor and nursing officer. Sources close to her described her as a compassionate guide who supported her colleagues with wisdom and care. Her death has left her three young children and aging mother in deep sorrow, while the nursing community mourns the loss of a cherished member.
This tragedy highlights a growing problem of domestic abuse among female nurses, who often deal with high stress from their jobs and personal lives. Sources close to Margaret noted that her silence was due to stigma and a lack of support, a challenge seen in other cases across Nigeria where nurses suffer quietly.
The Nigerian nursing community is now pushing for action, calling for confidential support systems and awareness programs to protect nurses from domestic violence. Sources close to the family said efforts to contact Margaret’s husband for comment have failed, leaving many questions unanswered as the community seeks justice.
Margaret Archibong’s death is a painful reminder of the risks of domestic abuse in the nursing profession. The Nigerian nursing community stands together, committed to honoring her memory by fighting for the safety and well-being of all healthcare workers. Rest in peace, Mma Etubom—your story will inspire a movement for change.
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Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
This is quite sad. I really hope the husband gets the appropriate punishment he deserves. It is high time the government put measures in place to protect the rights of health professionals. We can’t treat patients effectively without being physically and mentally fit ourselves!