Medical doctors in Edo State under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have threatened to withdraw services in all government hospitals and health facilities if their two abducted colleagues are not released unhurt by 8 a.m. on Saturday.
The Edo State Chairman of the NMA, Dr Eustace Oseghale, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, following the abduction of one of its members, Dr Ibrahim Momoh, who was kidnapped alongside his brother, Abu, on January 2 in Etsako West Local Government Area. The remains of Momoh’s brother were discovered the following day.
According to the statement, the association resolved to commence a statewide withdrawal of medical services by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, if their demands are not met. The NMA described the incident as a serious threat to the safety of healthcare professionals and a danger to effective healthcare delivery in the state.
The association demanded the immediate and safe release of the abducted doctors, improved security measures for residents of Edo State, and regular engagement between the state government and the NMA on security concerns affecting medical practitioners.
Dr Oseghale stressed that a safe working environment is essential for healthcare providers, warning that services would remain suspended until their colleagues are released and adequate safety assurances are given. He also urged security agencies to treat the situation with urgency, noting that they would be held responsible for any consequences arising from the planned strike action.
