The Edo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association has announced a statewide withdrawal of medical services from Saturday, following the kidnapping of two medical doctors, citing escalating security concerns statewide.

Chairman of the association, Eustace Oseghale, disclosed the decision in a statement on Friday, describing it as a protest against rising threats to healthcare workers across Edo.

The abductions occurred on January 1 and 2, heightening safety concerns among medical practitioners and prompting urgent calls for improved security statewide.

One of the kidnapped doctors, Babatunde Abu, was kidnapped in Auchi, with abductors reportedly demanding a N100 million ransom, further alarming colleagues and exposing the vulnerability of medical professionals in Edo.

Mr Oseghale said the withdrawal underscored doctors’ vulnerability and the urgent need for decisive action to secure their colleagues’ release, prevent recurrence, and restore confidence in healthcare delivery across the state system.

NMA demanded the immediate release of the kidnapped doctors, improved security for residents, and sustained engagement between the Edo government and the association on addressing security challenges affecting healthcare delivery statewide.

The NMA chairman warned that services would remain suspended until the demands were met, stressing that a safe working environment was non-negotiable.

“We will continue to withhold services until our colleagues are released and adequate security measures are implemented.

“We urge a swift resolution and expect security agencies to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Mr Oseghale said.

(NAN)