A medical doctor who was abducted in Auchi, Edo State, has regained his freedom, bringing relief to the medical community and the victim’s family, the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed.
The chairman of the association, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, announced the development on Wednesday, describing the doctor’s release as a positive outcome of sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He also said the association worked closely with concerned parties to ensure the safe return of the abducted doctor, although details of the release were not disclosed.
While welcoming the doctor’s freedom, the NMA expressed deep concern over the rising cases of attacks and abductions involving healthcare workers in Edo State and other parts of the country.
Oseghale further warned that the worsening security situation poses a serious threat to the lives of doctors and undermines effective healthcare delivery, as many practitioners now operate under fear.
He called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to take decisive and sustained action against criminal elements targeting medical personnel, stressing that only proactive measures would curb the trend.
The NMA chairman added that the association would continue to advocate for the safety of its members while engaging authorities to ensure a secure working environment for healthcare professionals.
The doctor’s release followed heightened tension in the state after the abduction earlier in January 2026 of Abu Babatunde Ibrahim and his younger brother, Abu Tahir.
Ibrahim was later confirmed dead after his body was found by security operatives near a riverside.
In response to the insecurity and the abduction of their colleague, doctors across Edo State last week embarked on an industrial action, suspending medical services in several local government areas.
The strike significantly disrupted healthcare delivery, leaving many hospitals operating at skeletal levels.
Healthcare workers have continued to raise concerns over their safety nationwide, citing similar incidents in recent years that forced doctors in other states to down tools in protest against insecurity.
