The Edo State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has announced a statewide suspension of medical services starting Saturday, following the recent abduction of two doctors amid rising insecurity in the state.
The association’s chairman, Dr Eustace Oseghale, made the announcement in a statement on Friday in Benin, describing the move as a protest against increasing threats to healthcare workers across Edo State.
The kidnappings, which occurred on 1 and 2 January, have intensified safety concerns among medical practitioners and prompted urgent calls for enhanced security measures.
One of the abducted doctors, Babatunde Abu, was reportedly kidnapped in Auchi, with the perpetrators demanding a ransom of N100 million. The incident has heightened anxiety among colleagues and highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare professionals in the state.
Dr Oseghale said the withdrawal of services underscores the urgent need to secure the release of the abducted doctors, prevent similar incidents, and restore confidence in healthcare delivery across Edo State.
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He demanded the immediate release of the abducted doctors, improved security for residents, and sustained collaboration between the Edo State Government and the NMA to address threats affecting medical services.
The NMA chairman warned that medical services would remain suspended until these demands were met, emphasising that a safe working environment for healthcare workers is non-negotiable.
“We will continue to withhold services until our colleagues are released and adequate security measures are implemented. We urge a swift resolution and expect security agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Dr Oseghale stated.
