Doctors in Edo State have vowed to continue their ongoing strike until their abducted colleague, Dr. Abu Babatunde, is released unharmed.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo State branch, said the industrial action is a protest against worsening insecurity in the state and will remain in force until there is a clear assurance of the safety of its members.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin, the Chairman of the association, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, and the Secretary, Dr. Iluobe Inegbenosun, said the decision to sustain the strike followed consultations with key stakeholders. They noted that Dr. Babatunde, who was abducted in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, on January 1, remains in captivity.
According to the association, medical services will continue to be withdrawn across the state until the abducted doctor is released unharmed.
The NMA expressed deep concern over the continued detention of Dr. Babatunde, describing the situation as unacceptable and a stark reflection of the growing security challenges confronting the state.
“Our member who was abducted in Auchi must be released unharmed. Until this is achieved, the ongoing strike will continue,” the association said.
It added that the decision to maintain the strike indefinitely was reached after extensive consultations and would not be reversed until their colleague is safely freed.
The doctors’ body also raised alarm over what it described as the prevailing insecurity in Edo State, stressing that the protection of lives and property must be treated as a top priority by the government.
The association called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently restructure the state’s security framework to address the rising incidence of kidnapping and violent crime. It said such reforms should include the integration of local vigilance groups, subject to proper monitoring and evaluation, to strengthen security responses across communities.
The NMA further condemned what it described as the intimidation of doctors, warning that such actions could aggravate the situation rather than bring about a resolution.
It urged the state government to demonstrate an urgent commitment to safeguarding lives and property, warning that private medical practitioners could also join the strike if the abducted doctor is not released and security concerns are not promptly addressed.
