Abia doctors suspend planned strike as kidnapped surgeon regains freedom

Doctors in Nigeria's Abia State have called off a planned strike following the release of a prominent orthopaedic surgeon who had been held captive for nine days. Dr. Uche Bonaventure Aguocha, a former chairman of the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), was abducted on May 26 and regained his freedom on June 2.

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The Association expresses profound gratitude to the Government of Abia State led by Governor Alex Otti, the Government of Imo State led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and all security agencies whose efforts contributed to securing his release.

The NMA had threatened an indefinite strike starting June 2 if Dr. Aguocha was not released. Following his safe return, the association announced the suspension of the industrial action. The NMA expressed profound gratitude to the Abia and Imo State governments, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for their roles in securing the surgeon's release.

While relieved, the NMA used the opportunity to highlight the ongoing threat to healthcare workers. The association pointed to Dr. Aguocha's case and the still-unresolved abduction of Professor Iweha since 2020 as evidence of a pattern that severely undermines healthcare delivery and the morale of professionals working under difficult conditions. The NMA urged the federal and state governments to urgently enhance security for healthcare workers and facilities, demanding that those responsible for Dr. Aguocha's kidnapping be apprehended and prosecuted.

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While we are relieved by this development, Congress reiterates that the kidnap of healthcare workers is unacceptable and must not become normalised. The recurring targeting of doctors, as seen in the still unresolved case of Prof. Iweha since 2020, severely undermines healthcare delivery and the morale of professionals working under already difficult conditions.

The union affirmed its commitment to serving the people of Abia State and will continue to collaborate with government and security agencies to ensure a safe working environment for all doctors. They also wished Dr. Aguocha a swift recovery from the physical and psychological trauma of his ordeal.

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NMA Abia State therefore calls on the Federal and State Governments to urgently strengthen the security architecture around healthcare workers and facilities. We demand a thorough investigation to ensure the perpetrators of this crime are apprehended and prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to others.