Health

FMC Abuja mourns nurse killed, dumped by roadside

Published

9 months ago

January 8, 2026

By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, is mourning the tragic killing of 28-year-old nurse Chinemerem Chuwumeziem, describing the incident as gruesome and devastating for the entire hospital community.

The Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that staff were still in shock, describing Chuwumeziem as a rising star whose future held great promise.

Chuwumeziem, who joined FMC Abuja in 2025, quickly distinguished herself through dedication and compassion, earning admiration from colleagues and patients.

She was named Best Nurse of the Year 2025 at the hospital’s award programme.

A single lady, she lived with her aunt in Wuse, Abuja, and hailed from Orlu, Imo State.

Her death has deeply affected staff and triggered widespread mourning at the hospital.

Ahmed said Chuwumeziem finished her afternoon shift on Saturday and left the hospital at 6:13 p.m., as captured on CCTV. That was the last time she was seen alive.

He said concern was raised early Sunday when her family reported she had not returned home.

“The hospital immediately mobilised staff to search nearby areas and hospitals, but nothing was found.

“The hospital alerted its Chief Security Officer, who contacted security agencies.

“The police later discovered her body around Bolingo Hotel Junction and took it to the mortuary. Her family buried her in Imo State.

“The incident was reported to the Federal Ministry of Health, the Department of State Services, and the police, who have assured the hospital that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.”

Ahmed said measures were being taken to support staff and reduce risks, including reviewing shift schedules, improving the hospital shuttle bus system, and enhancing staff safety arrangements.

He prayed for the repose of Chuwumeziem’s soul and for strength for her family and colleagues to bear the painful loss.

Also speaking, Head of Nursing Services Mrs Abigail Gwimi, described the nurse as gentle, dutiful, and deeply committed to patient care.

“Her disappearance triggered frantic searches through the night.”

Gwimi said the police found the body with her bag, containing personal items, including a Bible, while her phone was missing. The cause of death was reported as asphyxiation.

“The killing has heightened fears among nurses and health workers who often work long shifts and commute late, affecting morale and creating anxiety about personal safety.”

She added that hospital management was engaging staff for emotional support and reviewing duty schedules and security measures to reassure workers and prevent a recurrence of such incidents. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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