…the doctors expressed deep concern over what they described as a worsening security situation.
NIGER, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| The Niger State chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government, demanding the immediate rescue of its abducted member, Doctor Tony Eghagagara, who serves as Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu Local Government Area.
Dr Eghagagara was reportedly kidnapped by bandits in Wawa, a community on the outskirts of New Bussa, with the abductors allegedly demanding a ransom of N150 million.
In a communiqué released after an emergency meeting, and jointly signed by the association’s chairman, Dr Mustapha Mohammed-Aliyu, and General Secretary, Dr Musa Alhaji-Shehu, the union warned that it would shut down healthcare services across the state if their colleague is not rescued within the stipulated timeframe.
“We call on the government to act immediately and secure the release of our member. We will not accept further excuses,” the statement read.
The association further declared that failure to meet the ultimatum would result in a total withdrawal of medical services across Niger State.
“If the government does not rescue our colleague within the 72-hour deadline, we will shut down the entire health system in the state and commence sustained peaceful protests,” the doctors stated.
The group also urged the government to take responsibility for the welfare of the abducted doctor’s family by providing both financial and logistical support during the crisis.
In addition, the association called for mandatory security protection for healthcare workers operating in high-risk areas to prevent further attacks.
The doctors expressed deep concern over what they described as a worsening security situation and increasing targeting of health workers across the state.
According to the communiqué, the emergency meeting was convened in response to what they termed a systemic failure to ensure the safety of frontline healthcare providers.
They recalled previous incidents, including the abduction of a doctor at Gulu General Hospital in Lapai, repeated attacks on medical facilities, and the recent killing of a nurse at General Hospital Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area.
The association noted that these incidents have left healthcare workers living in constant fear while carrying out their duties.
