Breaking: Gunmen Attack FMC Lokoja, Stop Planned COVID-19 Conference

Malik Yahya/

Several gunmen reportedly invaded the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State, this morning, terrorised the staff and vandalised some of the hospital’s equipment.

The gunmen, who came in three white Hilux vans, are believed to have carried out the attack to stop a press conference/protest being planned by the staff to pressure the federal government into establishing a COVID-19 screening centre in the state.

NewsmakersNG learnt that the gunmen shot sporadically into the air to scare people away, then went to the records and administration department, where they seized laptops and destroyed other properties.

They also reportedly ransacked the Medical Director’s office before leaving the premises.

There were however no reports that any hospital staff was injured during the attack.

Eyewitnesses said the hospital management instructed the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials guarding the hospital not to confront the attackers to avert bloodshed.

All staff have reportedly vacated the hospital as of the time of this report.

See more photos: Courtesy: @fisayosoyombo