Edo Doctors Commence Strike Over Abduction of Colleague

Medical doctors in Edo State have commenced an indefinite strike following the abduction of one of their colleagues, escalating concerns over insecurity and the safety of healthcare workers in the state

The strike, which began on Saturday, January 10, 2026, is being led by the Edo State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). As a result, medical services across public hospitals in the state have been largely suspended, with facilities operating only skeletal or emergency services The industrial action was triggered by the kidnapping of a medical doctor in Edo North, reportedly along the Auchi axis, amid a surge in violent attacks targeting health professionals in the area. The incident came shortly after other reported cases of abduction and killing of doctors in the state, further heightening fears among medical personnel Chairman of the NMA in Edo State said the association could no longer guarantee the safety of its members, noting that doctors are increasingly becoming targets of criminal activities while commuting to work or carrying out their professional duties. According to the association, ransom demands running into tens of millions of naira have been made by abductors, worsening the trauma faced by victims and their families In protest, doctors staged demonstrations in parts of Edo North, calling on security agencies and the state government to ensure the immediate and safe release of their kidnapped colleague. They also demanded stronger security measures to protect healthcare workers and residents of the state The lives of doctors matter. We cannot continue to risk our lives while trying to save others,” an NMA official said during the protest The strike has sparked concerns among residents, as many patients have been turned away from government hospitals, except for critical emergencies. Public health advocates have warned that prolonged disruption of medical services could lead to avoidable deaths, especially among vulnerable populations Meanwhile, the NMA has urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and bring perpetrators to justice. The association insists that the withdrawal of services will continue until concrete steps are taken to address insecurity and guarantee the safety of doctors in Edo State As of the time of filing this report, neither the Edo State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement on the abduction or the ongoing strike.