Niger Doctors Issue 72-Hour Ultimatum to Rescue Kidnapped Colleague or Face Protest

By YM Bina

The Niger State chapter of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has given the state government a 72-hour ultimatum to rescue their colleague Dr. Tony Eghagagara, Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital, Borgu local government of the state.

In a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency general meeting, jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Mustapha Mohammed-Aliyu, and the General Secretary, Dr Musa Alhaji-Shehu, the association threatened to shut down the state health sector if their colleague is not rescued after the 72 hour Ultimatum.

The doctors also demanded compulsory security attachments for all health workers in high-risk areas to protect them from attacks.

“The Congress of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Niger State Branch, views with grave concern and mounting frustration the worsening insecurity and the targeted victimization of healthcare workers across the state.

“This Emergency General Meeting was convened against the backdrop of a systemic fallure to protect those on the frontlines of service delivery”, the communique stated.

The doctors recalled the previous incidents when a doctor was kidnapped at the Gulu General Hospital, Lapai LGA  and attacks on various hospital facilities that have left members in a state of perpetual fear. Added that the recent killing of a Nurse at General Hospital Kagara, Rafi local government area of the state.

“We demand that the govermment immediately go in and rescue our member; we will no longer tolerate excuses. If our colleague is not rescued by the expiration of this ultimatum, NAGGMDP will shut down the system and withdraw all services across the state without exception.

“The government must immiediately provide security clearance for all members in high-risk areas, including a dedicated security attaché for doctors during both regular working hours and on-call periods.

“The government must take immediate responsibility for the welfare of the family of our kidnapped member, providing full financial and logistical support during this crisis.

“We are issuing a final 72-hour ultimatum starting from 00:00 hours on Saturday and ending at 00:00 hours on Tuesday, followed by sustained peaceful demonstrations”.