Doctors Threaten Strike Over Colleague's Abduction in Niger State
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Medical doctors in Niger State, Nigeria, have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government to secure the release of a colleague abducted by suspected terrorists.
- The Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital, Tony Eghagagara, was kidnapped from his private clinic on April 22, 2026.
- The doctors' association warned of a shutdown of the state's health sector if the ultimatum expires without action, citing a pattern of insecurity and attacks on healthcare workers.
The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) in Niger State has taken a firm stance against the escalating insecurity that has put healthcare workers in the crosshairs. The 72-hour ultimatum issued to the state government is a desperate measure born out of mounting frustration and a systemic failure to protect those on the frontlines of service delivery.
The Congress of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Niger State Branch, views with grave concern and mounting frustration the worsening insecurity and the targeted victimisation of healthcare workers across the state.
The abduction of Dr. Tony Eghagagara, Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital, is not an isolated incident. The association's communiqué highlights a disturbing pattern of violence, including previous kidnappings and assaults on healthcare facilities and personnel. This creates an environment of fear and severely hampers the ability of medical professionals to perform their duties, as evidenced by the repeated attacks on hospitals.
From the perspective of medical practitioners in Niger State, this situation represents an unacceptable risk to their lives and livelihoods. They are demanding immediate government action to rescue their colleague and ensure their own safety. The threat to withdraw all services across the state health sector is a stark warning that they will no longer tolerate excuses or inaction.
We demand that the government immediately go in and rescue our member. We will no longer tolerate excuses. If our colleague is not rescued by the expiration of this ultimatum, NAGGMDP will shut down the system and withdraw all services across the state without exception.
The doctors are not only demanding the rescue of their abducted colleague but also comprehensive security protection for all health workers in high-risk areas. This includes dedicated escorts and a clear acknowledgment of the government's responsibility for their welfare. The ultimatum, coupled with the threat of sustained peaceful demonstrations, underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation, reflecting a deep-seated concern for the safety and security of healthcare professionals in the state.
We are issuing a final 72-hour ultimatum starting from 00:00 hours on Saturday and ending at 00:00 hours on Tuesday, followed by sustained peaceful demonstrations.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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