The Niger doctor issued a 72-hour ultimatum and threatened to close the house because his colleague was kidnapped

Doctors in Niger State have warned of a strike if authorities fail to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues, raising concerns over the safety of health workers in the region.

The threat was issued by the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Niger State chapter, which gave the government a 72-hour deadline to rescue Dr. Tony Eghagagara, Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital, located in Borgu Local Government Area.

Eghagagara was reportedly kidnapped on April 22, 2026, at his private clinic in Wawa town, also in Borgu LGA.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting on Monday, and co-signed by the association’s Chairman, Mustapha Aliyu, and Secretary General, Musa Alhaji-Shehu, the doctors expressed deep frustration over what they described as a deteriorating security situation targeting health professionals.

“The Congress of the National Association of General Medical and Dental Government Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Niger State Chapter, views with deep concern and growing frustration the worsening insecurity and targeted victimization of health workers across the state.

“This Emergency Rally was held against a backdrop of systemic failure to protect those on the front line of service delivery,” the statement read.

The association also cited a pattern of attacks on medical personnel, such as the kidnapping of a doctor at Gulu General Hospital in Lapai Local Government Area and repeated attacks on health facilities that have increased fear among workers.

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They further cited the murder of a nurse at Kagara General Hospital in Rafi Local Government Area as further evidence of the deteriorating security environment.

Giving a stern warning, the doctors demanded immediate action from the government, stressing that continued inaction would trigger a complete shutdown of health services in the state.

“We demand that the government immediately intervene and rescue our members. We will no longer tolerate excuses. If our colleagues are not rescued after the expiry of this ultimatum, NAGGMDP will shut down the system and withdraw all services across the state without exception,” the communique warned.

In addition to rescue efforts, the association called for increased protection for health workers operating in high-risk areas, including the provision of security escorts during working hours and emergency calls.

They also urged the government to assume full responsibility for the welfare of the kidnapped doctor’s family, including providing financial and logistical support.

“We issued a final ultimatum for 72 hours starting from 00:00 on Saturday and ending at 00:00 on Tuesday, followed by continued peaceful demonstrations,” the doctors said.