Doctors issue 72-hour ultimatum over kidnapped colleague in Niger
Niger State Medical Association Issues Ultimatum for Kidnapped Doctor’s Release
The Niger State chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has given the state government a 72-hour ultimatum to secure the release of a kidnapped physician. The association cautioned that failure to meet this demand will result in a complete shutdown of health services across the state.
Dr. Tony Eghagagara, the Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu Local Government Area, was abducted on April 22, 2026, by armed assailants while at his private clinic in Wawa town.
In a statement released following an emergency meeting, the association’s Chairman, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed-Aliyu, and General Secretary, Dr. Musa Alhaji-Shehu, expressed heightened concern regarding the increasing insecurity and what they termed the “targeted victimization” of healthcare professionals in the region.
The NAGGMDP has made it clear that if their colleague is not rescued by the end of the ultimatum, they will enact an indefinite withdrawal of services at all government health facilities in Niger State. “We will no longer tolerate excuses. If our colleague is not rescued by the expiration of this ultimatum, NAGGMDP will shut down the system and withdraw all services across the state without exception,” the statement read.
Additionally, the association called for improved security measures, including mandatory protection for healthcare workers in high-risk areas and the assignment of dedicated security personnel to accompany medical staff during work hours and on-call duties. They also urged the government to assume full responsibility for the welfare of Dr. Eghagagara’s family, providing immediate financial and logistical support.
The association cited prior security incidents, including the kidnapping of a doctor at Gulu General Hospital in Lapai Local Government Area, as well as a recent attack on a nurse at General Hospital in Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area, events that have instilled fear among healthcare workers.
The ultimatum commenced at midnight on Saturday and will expire at midnight on Tuesday. Following this period, the association plans to initiate sustained peaceful protests in conjunction with the cessation of health services.
