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By Correspondent in Minna.
A major labour crisis is looming in Niger State’s health sector as the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), the state chapter,has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government to secure the release of an abducted colleague, Dr. Tony Eghagagara, or face a total shutdown of public health services.
Dr. Eghagagara, the Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu Local Government Area, was reportedly kidnapped by suspected armed bandits in Wawa town on April 22, 2026, and has remained in captivity for nearly two weeks.
Rising from an emergency meeting, the state chapter of NAGGMDP described the incident as a tipping point in what it called the growing insecurity and targeted attacks on healthcare workers across the state.
In a communiqué jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed-Aliyu, and Secretary, Dr. Musa Alhaji-Shehu, the association warned that failure by the government to rescue the doctor within the stipulated timeframe would trigger an indefinite withdrawal of services across all government-owned health facilities.
The union decried what it termed a “systemic failure” to protect frontline health workers in the state, stressing that medical personnel have increasingly become soft targets for criminal elements.
“The worsening security situation and targeted victimization of healthcare workers have reached an alarming level,” the communiqué stated, noting that the abduction of a doctor from his place of duty underscores the vulnerability of health professionals in the line of service.
The association also demanded immediate deployment of security personnel to accompany health workers, particularly those posted to high-risk areas, as part of measures to safeguard lives and restore confidence in the system.
NAGGMDP 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 have left members living in constant fear.
The doctors further expressed outrage over the recent killing of a nurse at General Hospital, Kagara in Rafi Local Government Area, lamenting what they described as the government’s failure to implement effective security measures despite recurring threats.
Beyond the rescue of their colleague, the association is also demanding comprehensive welfare support for families of kidnapped health workers, including financial and logistical assistance during periods of crisis.
“We will no longer tolerate excuses for endangering our lives,” the doctors warned, adding that the ultimatum, which commenced at midnight on Saturday, will expire at midnight on Tuesday.
The association also signalled plans for sustained peaceful demonstrations should their demands remain unmet, setting the stage for a potential disruption of healthcare delivery in the state if urgent action is not taken.
The development highlights the growing intersection between labour rights and security concerns, as professionals in critical sectors increasingly demand safer working conditions amid Nigeria’s security challenges.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
