The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, South-South Caucus, has expressed concern over the escalating wave of kidnappings across the region, warning that medical professionals are increasingly being exposed to grave security risks.

The caucus disclosed that two doctors, Dr Abu Babatunde of the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, and Dr Stephen Osamaye of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, were recently abducted in separate incidents on January 1 and January 2, 2026, respectively, in Edo State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association said the incidents assumed a tragic dimension following the discovery of the body of Tahir Abu, the younger brother of Dr Babatunde, who was kidnapped alongside him in Auchi.

According to the NMA, “reports indicate that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N200 million, which was later reduced to N100 million.”

The NMA said the development has intensified fears over the safety of doctors and other health workers, noting that the profession has become particularly vulnerable to criminal attacks.

It warned that healthcare workers are now being deliberately targeted because their duties “often require movement at odd hours, urgent responses to calls, late-night work, and interaction with a wide spectrum of clients.”

The NMA South-South Caucus, made up of NMA branches in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States, urged Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to act swiftly to secure the immediate and unconditional release of those still in captivity and to put effective measures in place to prevent further incidents.

“We also call for increased security surveillance of healthcare institutions across the region.”

The caucus commended steps already taken by the NMA in Edo State in response to the kidnappings, while stressing that more decisive action is required to stem the rising insecurity.

It further appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene to curb what it described as a worsening security crisis in the South-South region.

The statement was jointly signed by Dr Diamond Tamunokuro E., Chairman, NMA South-South Caucus; Dr Osoma Smith, Secretary, NMA South-South Caucus; Dr. Aniekon Peter, Chairman, NMA Akwa Ibom State; Dr. Izibeya Wilcox, Chairman, NMA Bayelsa State; Dr. Ezoke Epoke, Chairman, NMA Cross River State; Dr. Israel Adaigho, Chairman, NMA Delta State; and Dr. Eustace Osaghele, Chairman, NMA Edo State.