Niger Doctors Issue 72-Hour Strike Threat Over Colleague Abduction

Medical doctors in Niger State have issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government, threatening to embark on an indefinite strike if their abducted colleague is not rescued within the stipulated timeframe.

The warning was delivered by the Niger State chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) following an emergency general meeting held on Monday.

The association is demanding the immediate rescue of Dr. Tony Eghagagara, Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu Local Government Area, who was abducted on April 22, 2026.

Reports indicate he was kidnapped at his private clinic in Wawa town, also within Borgu LGA, by suspected terrorists.

In a communiqué jointly signed by Chairman Mustapha Aliyu and General Secretary Musa Alhaji-Shehu, the doctors expressed deep concern over what they described as escalating insecurity and the deliberate targeting of healthcare professionals in the state.

The statement highlighted growing frustration among medical personnel, citing repeated attacks on health workers and facilities.

The association referenced previous incidents, including the abduction of a doctor at Gulu General Hospital in Lapai LGA and multiple assaults on hospitals that have heightened fear among practitioners.

The killing of a nurse at General Hospital Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area was also cited as further evidence of deteriorating security conditions.

“This emergency meeting was convened due to the persistent failure to safeguard healthcare workers who remain critical to service delivery,” the communiqué stated.

The association warned that failure to secure Dr. Eghagagara’s release within the 72-hour window would result in a complete shutdown of healthcare services across the state.

“We will no longer tolerate delays or excuses.

If our colleague is not rescued before the expiration of this ultimatum, we will withdraw all medical services without exception,” the statement added.

Beyond the rescue demand, the doctors called for enhanced security measures, including the provision of dedicated security escorts for health workers operating in high-risk areas, both during duty hours and on emergency calls.

They also urged the state government to assume full responsibility for the welfare of the abducted doctor’s family, including financial and logistical support during the period of his captivity.

The ultimatum, according to the association, commenced at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday and will expire at 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

The doctors further indicated plans to begin sustained peaceful protests if their demands are not met.