The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Bagana has appealed to the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association to remain calm, insisting that the state government and security agencies are working tirelessly to secure the release of one of its medical doctor, Dr. Tony Eghagagara who has spent 33 days in kidnappers’ den in Wawa town, New Bussa.

The Commissioner, who spoke against the backdrop of a communique issued by the state branch of the NMA at the end of its fifth State Executive Council meeting held virtually on May 24, 2026, said the government had opened a line of communication regarding efforts to free the abducted colleague.

He disclosed that the kidnapped doctor, identified as Dr. Tony, a staff of the ministry, had spent 35 days in captivity, adding that the update was not something he could provide openly because security agencies were working to ensure his release.

The Commissioner said the government had acknowledged the efforts of the state director of the Department of State Services in providing intelligence and security details for the safety of medical personnel in security prone areas.

However, the NMA in its communique expressed dismay over the continued captivity of its member despite assurances from relevant stakeholders, and demanded an immediate and unconditional release of the doctor.

The association resolved that should the colleague not secure his freedom by the end of a seven day ultimatum given by the National Association of Governmental Medical and Dental Practitioners, and one week into the declared total and indefinite strike action by that affiliate, the NMA would have no option but to join the industrial action.

The communique, signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Isah, and Secretary, Aliyu Muhammad Chapa, also expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of the state government to implement the new improved Consolidated Medical Salary Scale table for state doctors despite gruesome workload and appalling working conditions.

The association demanded immediate domestication and implementation of the new CONMESS circular for all doctors working with the state government, and rejected in its totality the planned review of premium by the Niger State Contributory Health Agency to 2.5 per cent of basic salary without prior consultation.

The NMA said It would kickstart processes for a total withdrawal of its members from the contributory health scheme, while declaring full and complete support for all lawful measures taken by NAGGMDP, including the impending total and indefinite strike action.

The association called on all relevant government and security agencies to intensify efforts towards an immediate and unconditional release of its member, warning that failure to achieve this would further diminish the confidence of doctors in the government’s capacity to guarantee the safety and welfare of healthcare workers in the state.

Dr. Tony Eghagagara is the Head of Medical Services at the General Hospital in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, he was abducted by suspected bandits on April 22, 2026, at his private clinic located on the outskirts of Wawa town in Borgu LGA.

He Is yet to be released despite reports that his captors had collected a N20 million ransom. (The Nation)

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