Chaos erupts at National Hospital as NANS factions clash, patients flee

Pandemonium unfolded on Friday when a faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) descended on the National Hospital, Abuja, attempting to attack two injured members from another faction. The targeted individuals were receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during a previous clash between the rival factions.

Patients in the hospital were forced to flee their wards and beds as the violent attack unfolded. Quick intervention by police officers helped restore order by securing the National Hospital and dispersing the rioters.

According to reports from The PUNCH, police officers were deployed to the Central Area, where both the hospital and the International Conference Centre are located, on Friday. The security presence aimed to contain the ongoing crisis between the NANS factions that had originated the previous day, resulting in injuries and hospitalizations.

The two injured NANS members were initially admitted to the National Hospital for medical care. However, members from the opposing faction stormed the hospital on Friday, intending to attack their injured counterparts after discovering their location.

In a separate development, the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly intercepted NANS members on Thursday, recovering two pump-action guns and cartridges from them as they headed to a convention.

In the aftermath of the violent incident at the National Hospital on Friday, major roads leading to the International Conference Centre and the National Hospital were deserted. The police cordoned off sections of the highway to maintain order.

When contacted for comment, Dr. Tayo Haastrup, the spokesperson for the National Hospital, confirmed the attack, noting that the intruders sought to harm the injured factional members undergoing treatment.