Dr. Ogbomade Sampson Romani, a medical doctor in Delta State, has died after sustaining grave injuries from an attack by hoodlums in February, amid controversy over accusations of negligence in a patient’s case that allegedly led relatives to orchestrate the assault.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe. Edafe said the Command received a report in February that Dr. Romani was attacked and left with severe injuries following an incident linked to allegations of negligence involving a patient under his care.
The patient’s relatives allegedly orchestrated the attack, accusing the doctor of negligence that led to the patient’s death. Dr. Romani was rushed to a medical facility after the assault and had been receiving treatment for the grave injuries until he succumbed recently.
“The Command is aware of the circumstances surrounding the attack on Dr. Romani and the subsequent allegations of negligence,” Edafe said. “Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all persons involved in the attack. No one has the right to take the law into their hands, regardless of grievances over medical outcomes.”
The Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has condemned the attack and the death of the doctor, describing violence against healthcare workers as unacceptable. “Doctors take an oath to save lives, and while accountability in healthcare is important, resorting to violence endangers the entire health system,” a spokesperson for the NMA said.
Edafe appealed to members of the public to channel complaints about medical services through appropriate regulatory and legal channels. “We understand the pain of losing a loved one, but jungle justice is criminal. The Command will ensure that those behind this attack face the full weight of the law,” Edafe stated.
The Command said it has invited persons of interest for questioning and urged anyone with credible information on the February attack to come forward. Meanwhile, health workers in the state have called for improved security at medical facilities and stronger legal protection for doctors, citing rising cases of threats and assaults linked to patient outcomes.
Dr. Romani’s death has intensified debate in Delta State over patient safety, medical accountability, and the protection of healthcare professionals, with stakeholders demanding that authorities act swiftly to prevent further attacks on medical personnel.
