Rising insecurity targeting medical professionals has forced the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend healthcare services across the state, following the abduction of two doctors earlier this week.
The decision, announced by NMA Edo State Chairman, Eustace Oseghale, on Friday, comes after the kidnappings on January 1 and 2, which have heightened fears among healthcare workers and raised urgent calls for enhanced security.
One of the abducted doctors, Babatunde Abu, was kidnapped in Auchi, with reports indicating that the assailants are demanding a ransom of N100 million. The incidents have spotlighted the vulnerability of medical personnel and the risks they face in the line of duty.
Oseghale said the strike is a protest against the escalating threats to doctors and a call for immediate government action. “The abduction of our colleagues highlights the urgent need to protect healthcare workers. Swift measures must be taken to ensure their release and prevent further attacks”, he stated.
The NMA is demanding the prompt release of the kidnapped doctors, improved security for healthcare professionals, and ongoing engagement between the association and Edo State government to address security challenges affecting medical services.
Oseghale warned that medical services would remain suspended until these demands are met, emphasizing that the safety of healthcare workers is non-negotiable. “We will continue to withhold services until our colleagues are returned safely and adequate security measures are put in place”, he said.
He urged security agencies to act urgently, stressing the need to prevent further disruption to healthcare delivery and restore public confidence in the state’s medical system.
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