NIGERIA: A house officer at Central Hospital Warri, Dr. Ogbomade Samson Romani, has died weeks after an alleged assault by individuals linked to a patient’s relative. The incident has heightened concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in Nigeria’s public hospitals.
Dr. Romani, a graduate of Niger Delta University, was confirmed dead in the early hours of April 17, 2026 (or early April 18, according to some reports). He had collapsed earlier in the week and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
According to widespread accounts on social media and blogs, Dr. Romani was assaulted in February 2026 on or near the hospital premises by hoodlums allegedly arranged by a patient’s relative. Reports claim the attack lasted nearly 20 minutes and caused serious facial and abdominal injuries. However, these details have not been independently verified by hospital authorities or law enforcement, and the exact date and circumstances remain unconfirmed officially.
Following the alleged incident, Dr. Romani reportedly resumed work but continued to experience health complications. In mid-April, he reportedly became distressed during a hospital meeting, excused himself, and collapsed while heading home. He was rushed to the ICU but did not survive.
No official autopsy report or medical statement has been released confirming the cause of death. While many colleagues and online reports suggest his death was linked to complications from the February assault, the family of Dr. Romani has strongly denied any such connection. In a statement issued on April 18, 2026, by Barr. E.S. Ogbomade, the family described claims linking the death to physical assault as false and misleading. They noted that his managing physician found no such connection.
As of April 19, 2026, no arrests have been made in relation to the reported February incident. Attempts to obtain official comments from the Delta State Police Command, Central Hospital Warri management, and the Delta State Hospitals Management Board have been unsuccessful.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has previously condemned violence against doctors at the facility. A separate assault on April 11, 2026 — involving a Senior Registrar and a House Officer by relatives of a deceased newborn — led to a 48-hour warning strike by doctors at the hospital. Medical groups have cited ongoing security concerns at the facility.
Social media has widely described the case as a doctor “beaten to death,” but available reports indicate that Dr. Romani died weeks later following a collapse, not immediately at the scene of the alleged assault. Colleagues have described him as dedicated, hardworking, and respectful, though no official obituary from the family has been released. Details of his burial arrangements remain unconfirmed.
This incident has renewed calls for improved security in public hospitals, including better access control and the deployment of trained personnel. Further official updates are expected as any investigations continue.
