‘We’re Not Safe In Edo ’ – Medical Doctors

Doctors in Edo North Senatorial District have protested the abduction of two of their colleagues and the subsequent killing of one by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

Recall that the duo, identified as Dr Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, a housemanship staff with the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Iyamho located in Auchi and his younger brother, Abu Tahir, were abducted on January 1, 2026.

The two brothers were abducted at the gate of their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, at about 7:30 pm at the close of work.

The kidnappers, after demanding N200 million ransom, however, killed Abu Tahir, a fresh graduate from Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma.

The gunmen despite the killing still held the deceased’s senior brother captive and are now demanding N100 million ransom for his release.

The doctors in the Edo North senatorial district under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, during a protest in Auchi and environs, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Babatunde Abu by the kidnappers.

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The NMA chairman in the zone, Dr Ifijeh Patrick, said the protest was to draw the attention of government, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to the growing threat to their lives and professional duties.

Ifijeh, who called for immediate and decisive action to curb kidnapping and violent crimes in the area, noted that the loss of a colleague has left many of them and others traumatized and uncertain about their safety.

While noting that doctors save lives every day, he added that their own lives are constantly under threat and that they no longer feel safe going to work or returning home.

“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.

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“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 who were also at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, Edo University, Iyamho and the Police Area Command, Auchi, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the area.

The NMA chairman appealed to the authorities to use their influence to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the area.

He warned that if their demands were not, doctors across Edo State would embark on a total shutdown of medical services after 72 hours.

He said the warning was a last resort to compel government to take action.