Medical doctors in Edo North Senatorial District have staged a protest over the abduction of two of their colleagues and the killing of one of them by gunmen believed to be kidnappers.
It would be recalled that the victims, identified as Abu Ibrahim, a housemanship doctor with the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Iyamho, Auchi, and his younger brother, Abu Tahir, were abducted on January 1, 2026.
The brothers were reportedly kidnapped at the entrance of their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area, at about 7:30 pm after returning from work.
The kidnappers, who initially demanded a ransom of N200 million, later killed Abu Tahir, a newly graduated medical doctor from Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma.
Despite the killing, the gunmen have continued to hold the elder brother hostage.
They are now reportedly demanding a ransom of N100 million for his release.
Doctors in Edo North Senatorial District, under the umbrella of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, during a protest across Auchi town and surrounding communities, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abu.
Addressing journalists, the NMA chairman in the district, Dr Ifijeh Patrick, explained that the protest was organised to draw the attention of governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, and other relevant stakeholders to the increasing threats to their lives and professional responsibilities.
Patrick, who called for swift and decisive action to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes in the area, said the loss of a colleague had left many doctors traumatised and fearful about their personal safety.
He noted that although doctors work daily to save lives, their own lives are constantly under danger, stressing that they no longer feel safe going to or returning from work.
He said, “We save lives every day, yet our own lives are constantly under threat. We are no longer safe going to work or returning home. This must stop.
“Our demands are simple. secure the release of the kidnapped doctor, stop the killings, and make Edo North safe for everyone,” he appealed.
The protesting doctors also visited the Palace of the Otaru of Auchi, the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, Edo University, Iyamho, and the Police Area Command in Auchi, where they expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the area.
The NMA chairman appealed to authorities and traditional institutions to use their influence to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the district.
He warned that failure to meet their demands would compel doctors across the state to commence a total shutdown of medical services after 72 hours.
According to him, the warning was issued as a last resort to force government authorities to take decisive action.
