The Niger State chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government, threatening to shut down all health services if their abducted colleague is not rescued. Dr Tony Eghagagara, Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu Local Government Area, was abducted by bandits on April 22, 2026, at his private clinic in Wawa town.
Emergency Meeting and Demands
The ultimatum was announced in a communiqué signed by Chairman Dr Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu and General Secretary Dr Musa Alhaji Shehu, following an emergency general meeting of the association. The doctors also demanded enhanced security for all healthcare workers in high-risk areas, including dedicated security personnel during routine duties and emergency call hours. They urged the government to take full responsibility for the welfare of the kidnapped doctor's family, providing financial and logistic support throughout his captivity.
Growing Frustration Over Insecurity
The statement highlighted the worsening insecurity that has exposed healthcare workers to abduction risks. It read: "The Congress of NAGGMDP, Niger State Branch, views with grave concern and mounting frustration the worsening insecurity situation that has exposed healthcare workers to enormous risks of abduction." The meeting was held against the backdrop of systemic failure to protect those on the frontlines of service delivery.
The association recalled previous incidents, including the abduction of a doctor at Gulu General Hospital in Lapai Local Government Area and repeated attacks on health facilities, leaving members in constant fear. It also cited the recent killing of a nurse at General Hospital Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area, as evidence of continuing threats to their lives.
Ultimatum Details
The ultimatum commences by midnight on Saturday and expires by Tuesday midnight. If demands are not met, the association will embark on peaceful protests and withdraw all services across the state without exception. The doctors emphasized that the shutdown would be total, affecting all health facilities under their jurisdiction.
