Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has threatened withdrawal of services over the kidnappings of doctors in the State.
DAILY POST reports that the State chairman of the association, Dr Eustace Oseghale, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Benin City.
Oseghale said the withdrawal of medical services across the state would commence at 8am on Saturday, January 10, 2026, due to the abduction of two doctors between January 1 and 2, 2026.
He said the kidnapping incident raises concerns about healthcare professionals’ safety in the State, threatening their lives and undermining healthcare delivery.
The association, however, demanded the immediate release of the remaining abducted doctor and enhanced security protocols for the State residents.
Other demands of the association include the regular engagement between the state branch of NMA and the State Government on security concerns, as well as the withdrawal of services statewide if demands are not met by the government.
“A safe working environment is crucial for healthcare providers. We’ll continue to withhold services until our demands are met and colleagues are safe.
“We urge a swift resolution and the safe return of our colleagues. Security operatives should take this seriously, as they’ll be held responsible for the consequences of our action, he said.
DAILY POST recalls that two medical doctor brothers, namely 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 in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, at about 7:30 pm at the close of work.
The kidnappers, after demanding N200 million ransom, however, killed Abu Tahir, a fresh medical doctor graduate from Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma.
His senior brother, Dr Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, who is undergoing housemanship with the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi is still held captive by the abductors who are now demanding N100million ransom.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo had in his condolence message to the family of the killed doctor, lamented that the existential threat of kidnapping has become a worrisome issue that has taken more than the devoted attention of his government.
Okpebholo described the abduction and the subsequent killing of the young medical doctor as unfortunate, painful and deeply regrettable.
He, however, assured the public that the incident does not diminish the resolve of the state to sustain and intensify its fight against kidnapping and other crimes.
