Kidnapping crisis: Edo doctors threaten statewide service withdrawal over safety concerns

The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to withdraw medical services across the state following the recent abduction and killing of medical doctors, raising fresh concerns over the safety of healthcare professionals.

The state chairman of the association, Dr Eustace Oseghale, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Benin City.

According to him, the planned withdrawal of medical services would commence at 8:00am on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in protest against the kidnapping of two doctors between January 1 and 2, 2026.

Dr Oseghale said the disturbing incidents underscore the worsening insecurity in the state and pose a serious threat to the lives of healthcare workers, with grave implications for healthcare delivery.

“The abduction of our colleagues raises serious concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals in Edo State. This situation threatens not only our lives but also the ability of doctors to render essential services to the public,” he said.

The association demanded the immediate release of the remaining abducted doctor and the implementation of enhanced security measures to protect residents and professionals across the state.

It also called for regular engagement between the Edo State Government and the NMA on security-related issues affecting medical practitioners.

Dr Oseghale warned that the association would embark on a total withdrawal of services statewide if its demands are not promptly met by the government.

“A safe working environment is crucial for healthcare providers. We will continue to withhold services until our demands are met and our colleagues are safe,” he stated.

He further urged security agencies to act decisively, warning that they would be held responsible for the consequences of the action should the situation persist.

“We urge a swift resolution and the safe return of our colleagues. Security operatives should take this matter seriously,” he added.

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The NMA action follows the tragic kidnapping of two medical doctor brothers, Dr Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and Abu Tahir, who were abducted by gunmen on January 1, 2026, at about 7:30pm at the gate of their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area.

The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million. However, Abu Tahir, a newly qualified medical doctor and graduate of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, was later killed by the abductors.

His elder brother, Dr Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, who is currently undergoing housemanship at the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, remains in captivity. The abductors are said to have reduced their ransom demand to N100 million.

Reacting to the incident, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a condolence message to the bereaved family, described the abduction and killing of the young doctor as unfortunate, painful and deeply regrettable.

The governor lamented that kidnapping has become an existential threat that continues to demand serious attention from his administration. He, however, assured residents that the tragic incident would not weaken the state’s resolve to intensify efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

According to him, the government remains committed to restoring security and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Edo State.