By Ayo Kehinde
Medical services across Edo State are set to be suspended following the abduction of two medical doctors, as the state branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) declared a statewide withdrawal of services beginning Saturday, January 10, 2026.
The Chairman of the association, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, announced the decision in a statement issued on Friday in Benin City, describing the action as a protest against worsening insecurity and the growing threat to healthcare workers.
The doctors, identified as Dr. Abu Babatunde of the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, and Dr. Stephen Osamaye of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, were kidnapped in separate incidents on January 1 and 2, 2026.
The situation took a tragic turn earlier this week when security operatives discovered the body of Dr. Babatunde’s younger brother, Tahir Abu, who was abducted alongside him in Auchi.
Reports indicate that the kidnappers had initially demanded a ₦200 million ransom, later reduced to ₦100 million.
Dr. Oseghale stated that the withdrawal of services is aimed at drawing urgent attention to the vulnerability of health workers, warning that continued insecurity could cripple healthcare delivery.
“The withdrawal underscores the increasing danger faced by medical professionals and the urgent need for decisive action to secure the release of our colleagues and prevent a recurrence,” he said.
The NMA has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo and the State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining doctors.
The association stressed that it will not resume services until its demands for a safe working environment and improved security protocols are met.
The development has raised significant concerns about public access to healthcare, as patients across the state now face a total shutdown of medical services starting Saturday morning.
