By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Niger state chapter is set to commence a protest action over the recent abduction of their colleague, Dr Anthony Eghagagara by gunmen in New Bussa.
The group had last weekend issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Niger State Government to rescue their colleague or face a public demonstration.
Worried by the worsening security situation, NAGGMDP has demanded compulsory security attachments for all health workers in high-risk areas to protect them from attacks, doctors in particular.
Dr. Tony Eghagagara who until his abduction for close to two weeks now is the Head of Medical Services, New Bussa General Hospital, Borgu in Borgu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
NAGGMDP members in a communiqué at the end of their emergency meeting threatened to shut down all government owned health facilities if their colleague is not rescued unhurt after the expiration of the 72 hours ultimatum.
The communique jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of NAGGMDP, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed-Aliyu, and Dr. Musa Alhaji-Shehu, respectively, said it is unfortunate that suspected armed bandits now target health workers, and expressed sadness that their colleague kidnapped from place of duty is yet to be rescued by the government he is working for.
The doctors also wants the Governor Umar Bago led administration to attach security personnel to health workers posted in high risk areas to avoid a repeat of the abduction.
“The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Niger state branch, views with grave concern and mounting frustrations the worsening security situation, targeted victimization of healthcare workers across the state".
The communique further pointed out that, “This emergency general meeting was convened against the backdrop of seeming systemic failure to protect those on the frontlines of service delivery”.
The medical doctors recalled similar incident years back when a medical doctor was kidnapped at the Gulu General Hospital in Lapai LGA and attacks on various hospitals/health facilities hence leaving members in a state of perpetual fear for their lives or safety.
Added to their state of mind is the recent killing of a Nurse at General Hospital Kagara, Rafi LGA yet the state government never deemed it necessary to fashion out security measures to protect health workers in the state.
Dr. Eghagagara, according to the communique was kidnapped by suspected armed bandits in Wawa town, Borgu Local Government on 22nd April, 2026.
“We demand that the state govermment immediately raise search party to go after the kidnappers and rescue our member. We will no longer tolerate excuses for endangering our lives. If our colleague is not rescued by the expiration of this ultimatum, NAGGMDP will withdraw all our services across the state without exceptions".
“In addition, Niger state government must provide security clearance for all our members in high-risk areas, including a dedicated security attaché for medical doctors during both regular working hours and on-call duty periods".
The communique further hinted that, “The state government must take responsibilities for the welfare of the families of kidnapped colleagues by, providing full financial and logistical support during their emotional crisis".
“We are issuing a final 72-hour ultimatum starting from 00:00 hours Saturday and ending at 00:00 hours Tuesday, and this will be followed by sustained peaceful demonstrations”. NNL.