Abduction of doctors sparks protest, service withdrawal threat in Edo

By Jethro Ibileke

Members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Edo State have threatened to withdraw their services following the abduction of two doctors in the state.

The Edo State Chairman of the NMA, Dr Eustace Oseghale, disclosed this in a statement issued in Benin City on Friday, January 9, 2026, stating that the withdrawal of services would commence at 8.00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

He said the rising cases of kidnapping had raised serious concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals, threatened their lives and undermined effective healthcare delivery in the state.

While demanding the immediate release of the remaining abducted doctor, Oseghale also called for enhanced security measures for residents across the state.

Other demands of the association include regular engagement between the NMA and the state government on security concerns, as well as a statewide withdrawal of services if the demands are not met by the government.

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

“We urge a swift resolution and the safe return of our colleagues. Security operatives should take this matter seriously, as they will be held responsible for the consequences of our action,” he said.

It would be recalled that two medical doctor brothers, Dr Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and Tahir Abu, were kidnapped by gunmen on January 1, 2026, at the gate of their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state, at about 7.30 pm after work.

The kidnappers, who initially demanded a ransom of ₦200 million, later killed Tahir Abu, a fresh medical graduate of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.

His elder brother, Dr Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, who is undergoing housemanship at the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, is still being held captive by the abductors, who are now demanding a ransom of ₦100 million.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, in a condolence message to the family of the slain doctor, lamented that the existential threat of kidnapping had become a worrisome issue that had taken more than the devoted attention of his administration.

Okpebholo described the abduction and subsequent killing of the young medical doctor as unfortunate, painful and deeply regrettable.

He, however, assured the public that the incident would not diminish the state government’s resolve to sustain and intensify the fight against kidnapping and other crimes.

In a related development, doctors in Edo North Senatorial District staged a protest over the abduction of the two doctors and the killing of one of them by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

The doctors, who marched across Auchi and its environs, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Babatunde Abu.

Dr Patrick Ifijeh, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said the demonstration was meant to draw the attention of government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to the growing threat to their lives and professional duties.

He called for immediate and decisive action to curb kidnapping and violent crimes in the area, adding that the loss of a colleague had left many doctors traumatised and uncertain about their safety.

“Our demands are simple: secure the release of the kidnapped doctor, stop the killings, and make Edo North safe for everyone,” he appealed.