In a dramatic escalation of protest against worsening insecurity targeting healthcare professionals, the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced the immediate suspension of all medical services across the state, effective 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
The decision comes in direct response to the chilling abduction of Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, a house officer at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital in Auchi, who was kidnapped alongside his younger brother, Abu Tahir, on January 1, 2026, right at the gate of their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi.
The terrorists initially demanded a staggering N200 million ransom for the brothers’ release.
Tragically, the kidnappers later killed Abu Tahir — a fresh medical graduate from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma — and dumped his body, while continuing to hold Dr. Abu Ibrahim captive.
The ransom demand has since been reduced to N100 million.
The brutal incident has sent shockwaves through the medical community in Edo North, where doctors and health workers already live in constant fear of being targeted by kidnappers.
On Friday, members of the NMA in Edo North staged a peaceful protest march through Auchi, visiting key locations including the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, the Edo University Teaching Hospital, the university campus, and the local police command.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters expressed deep frustration over the deteriorating security situation and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of their colleague.
Dr. Ifijeh Patrick, the local NMA chairman leading the protest, voiced the collective anguish of healthcare workers. “We are not safe,” he declared.
“Our demands are simple: secure the release of the kidnapped doctor, stop the killings, and make Edo North safe for everyone.”
He warned that failure to address the crisis would lead to further action, including a complete shutdown of services if the doctor is not freed within a short window — effectively issuing what amounts to a 72-hour ultimatum from the time of the announcement.
The statewide suspension of services, confirmed by Edo NMA Chairman Dr. Eustace Oseghale in an official statement released Friday, reflects the heightened sense of vulnerability among medical practitioners.
“A safe working environment is crucial for healthcare providers,” Dr. Oseghale emphasized.
The association has also called on the Edo State Government for urgent enhanced security protocols, regular engagement on security matters, and concrete measures to prevent future attacks on doctors.
The Edo State Government has previously described the abduction and killing as “unfortunate, painful, and deeply regrettable,” while assuring residents of intensified efforts against kidnappers.
Officials have pointed to recent operations that destroyed kidnappers’ hideouts and neutralized some suspects, claiming progress in reducing incidents.
However, the latest tragedy and the NMA’s drastic step suggest that many in the healthcare sector remain unconvinced.
As hospitals prepare to wind down non-emergency services ahead of the deadline, patients across Edo State face uncertainty.
Emergency care may be severely limited, and the public is being urged to seek alternatives where possible.
The standoff has once again thrown a stark spotlight on Nigeria’s persistent kidnapping epidemic, particularly its devastating impact on essential workers like doctors who risk their lives daily to serve communities.
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The NMA has made it clear: until Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde is safely released and stronger protections are assured, the voice of Edo’s doctors will remain silent in the wards — a powerful, if painful, message in the face of unrelenting danger.
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