Benin City — Journalists who had gone to cover the press briefing by resident doctors at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) were rough-handled by the security personnel attached to the hospital.

LEADERSHIP correspondent reported that this came on the heels of the indefinite strike embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of the institution.

Messrs Sule Yusuf of the NTA, Iruekpen, Ehigimetor Igbaugba of the NAN and Jude Ehebha of the Nigerian Observer, were assaulted by the security personnel led by its Chief Security Officer, One Mr. Ijie.

Their working tools, such as camera, midgets and a pair of suit were seized by the security team numbering about 15.The president of the ARD, Dr. Aigere Samuel, who had earlier briefed the newsmen, said the indefinite strike became inevitable because the institution's management refused to yield to their 12- point demand.

He said they had tabled the demands which border on residency training and welfare of the doctors before the management, through several letters and meeting.

According to him, "We had engaged the management, through dialogue, on the need to improve on our welfare but they refused to listen to us.

"We told them of the need for sponsorship for examination and update courses, for furnishing and renovation of call rooms and house officers residence.

"As we speak, rodents have become co-residents with the house officers due to cracks in the walls Dr. Samuel assured.