Concern is growing over the continued captivity of the Head of Medical Services at New Bussa General Hospital in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Dr Tony Eghagagara, who has remained with his abductors 33 days after he was kidnapped despite reports that a N20 million ransom was paid for his release.
Dr Eghagagara was abducted on April 22, 2026, by suspected bandits at his private clinic located on the outskirts of Wawa town in Borgu Local Government Area.
Sources close to the family disclosed that communication from the kidnappers reportedly stopped shortly after the ransom payment was made, leaving relatives, colleagues and residents increasingly worried about the doctor’s condition and safety.
A reliable source familiar with the situation also alleged that the abducted medical doctor was being forced to provide treatment for injured members of the armed group holding him captive.
The development has sparked outrage among medical practitioners and renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity affecting healthcare workers, especially those serving in rural and high-risk communities.
The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, MAGGMDP, has now called on the Niger State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the doctor’s safe return.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting, the association described the prolonged captivity of their colleague as disturbing and unacceptable.
The statement, jointly signed by the association’s chairman, Dr Mustapha Mohammed Aliyu, and General Secretary, Dr Musa Alhaji Shehu, criticised what it described as inadequate government support for the victim’s family and poor security protection for healthcare personnel.
“Thirty-three days in captivity, our member has yet to regain freedom. The family has not received adequate support, while healthcare workers continue to operate under dangerous conditions,” the association stated.
MAGGMDP lamented that despite repeated warnings and appeals by medical associations, many hospitals and clinics located in insecure communities still lack sufficient security presence.
The group warned that continued attacks and kidnappings targeting medical professionals could discourage doctors from accepting postings to rural areas already struggling with shortages of healthcare personnel.
It also called for urgent deployment of security operatives to hospitals and clinics located in vulnerable communities across Niger State and other parts of the country affected by banditry and kidnappings.
Residents of Borgu Local Government Area say the incident has created fear among healthcare workers and patients, with some medical personnel reportedly considering relocation from isolated communities due to security concerns.
Security analysts say the kidnapping highlights the growing danger faced by professionals working in remote areas where armed groups operate freely because of difficult terrain and limited security coverage.
The continued captivity of Dr Eghagagara has also reignited debate over ransom payments and whether such negotiations encourage further abductions by criminal groups.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities in Niger State had not released an official update on ongoing rescue operations or the doctor’s current condition.
Family members and colleagues, however, say they remain hopeful that the abducted doctor will eventually regain his freedom safely.
