The Niger State chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has threatened to shut down health services across the state if the government fails to secure the release of Dr Tony Eghagagara, after 72 hours.
Dr Eghagagara, who is the 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.
The ultimatum was issued in a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman, Dr Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu, and General Secretary, Dr Musa Alhaji Shehu, after an emergency general meeting of the association.
The doctors also demanded the provision of security protection for all health workers operating in high-risk areas, as well as dedicated security personnel during routine duties and emergency call hours.
The statement urged the government to assume full responsibility for the welfare of the kidnapped doctor’s family by providing financial and logistic support throughout his captivity.
“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,” it reads in part.
“The emergency meeting was held against the backdrop of systemic failure to protect those on the frontlines of service delivery.
“We demand the government to immediately secure the release of our member. 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 ultimatum commences by midnight on Saturday and will expire by Tuesday midnight, after which we will embark on peaceful protests if our demands are not met.”
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, which it said have left its members living 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.