From healers to hostages: When saving lives becomes a death sentence

In Nigeria, a chilling crisis is unfolding—a grim reality where doctors, the lifeblood of the nation’s healthcare system and the very individuals entrusted with saving lives, now find themselves at constant risk as prime targets for kidnappers and bandits. This unsettling wave of abductions not only paints a harrowing picture of the country’s worsening insecurity but also casts a dark shadow over an already embattled and fragile health sector, posing a grave threat to the well-being and morale of medical professionals, writes GODFREY GEORGE

A peaceful day in May turned into a bloodbath. On that seemingly ordinary evening, tragedy struck—a medical doctor was murdered in the most bestial manner and left in a pool of his blood.

The doctor, a native of Benue State, had dedicated his life to serving the underserved communities of Ikom, Cross River State. His clinic, nestled along the Ikom-Ogoja Road, was a beacon of hope for many locals who spoke highly of his selfless commitment to providing care where it was most needed.

That fateful day, at about 5:30 pm, as he drove through the Yala Nkum axis of the Nde-Akparabong 3-Corners Junction in Ikom Local Government Area, armed assailants attempted to abduct him.

When he resisted, they mercilessly shot him at close range, ending the life of a man who had dedicated himself to saving others.

Eyewitnesses, some of whom were attending a nearby burial ceremony, reported hearing gunshots while retrieving a corpse from a nearby mortuary.

Recounting the chilling events, many described it as surreal. A man, Mr Akon Essien, said he could hardly believe his eyes when he and others rushed to the scene to find a man lying lifeless in his car.

“I didn’t know when I started wailing. The man had bled to death. He still had his seatbelt on. He must have struggled with the kidnappers, so they shot him,” he recounted.

Following the brutal killing, the assailants reportedly descended into further acts of depravity, randomly abducting passengers from vehicles along the highway. The exact number of those taken remains unknown, deepening the community’s anguish and uncertainty.

For years, the medical community in Cross River State has been under siege. Doctors and healthcare workers have become prime targets for kidnappers, prompting repeated strikes and the suspension of medical services across both private and public hospitals.

The state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has frequently protested the abduction of its members, yet the menace continues unabated.

One particularly harrowing case was that of 60-year-old Professor Ekanem Ephraim, the first female professor of medicine at the University of Calabar. She was abducted on July 13, 2023, and after several months in captivity, news broke of her death.

In November 2024, Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 6, Calabar, AIG Jonathan Towuru, confirmed the imprisonment of suspects involved in her abduction.

Similarly, on March 4, 2017, another doctor, whose identity remains undisclosed, was abducted and later killed.

The doctor was reportedly abducted by unidentified gunmen while returning from a church service with his family.

The attackers intercepted his car and forcibly removed him, leaving his distraught family behind.

The incident occurred in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, a city experiencing a rise in criminal activities, including kidnappings.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of an undisclosed amount, which family and friends began working to raise.

Unfortunately, before any progress could be made, his lifeless body was discovered in a shallow grave on the outskirts of Calabar, less than a week after his abduction.

A year later, a senior registrar in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Dr Emem Udoh, was abducted by unknown gunmen while on duty in Cross River State.

Prior to his abduction, another Senior Registrar in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health in the same health facility, Dr Vivien Otu, was kidnapped on August 28, 2020.

She reportedly regained her freedom after spending several days in captivity.

Earlier, on May 3, 2020, Ogbonna Uchenna-Aju, a medical practitioner, was kidnapped while travelling from Ogoja Local Government Area to his house in Obudu LGA. Aju was released safely on May 9, though not without the payment of a ransom.

Before that, Mrs Christiana Ekanem, an Assistant Director at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and the wife of a member of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Emmanuel Ekanem, was kidnapped at her home in Satellite Town, Calabar, on March 10, 2020.

Amid the abduction spree, the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association called on the state government to declare a state of emergency on security due to the incessant kidnapping of its members.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the state NMA chairman, Dr Effiong Mkpanam, and the Secretary, Dr Ikechukwu Ukweh, the association expressed its dissatisfaction with the frequent attacks on its members in the state.

“It is noteworthy that in 2017, within the state capital alone, five doctors and three of their family members were kidnapped at various locations. We have noticed with utter dismay and have drawn the attention of the authorities to an upsurge in the cases of targeted kidnapping of medical practitioners,” the communiqué read.

Yet another kidnap

November 2020 began tragically for the family of Dr Godwin Udo of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

While many Nigerians exchanged joyful messages to mark the new month, Udo’s family received distressing news: their breadwinner had been abducted.

On November 1, hoodlums—five in number—seized the doctor outside his home on Bateba Street, Calabar, as he returned from work.

Shortly after, the kidnappers contacted his family, demanding a ransom of N7m.

Udo’s case marked the 17th abduction of a doctor in Cross River State, despite measures implemented to deter such crimes.

In 2018, Governor Ben Ayade signed an anti-kidnapping law prescribing the death penalty for offenders, pledging to ensure justice for victims. Yet, rather than subsiding, the kidnapping of medical professionals in the state intensified.

The same year, in Nasarawa, a doctor, Audu Benedict, along with his son and a colleague, were abducted and killed by kidnappers.

This harrowing tale came to light after police operatives from the Intelligence Response Team arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping and murder.

The then-Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, revealed the tragic details, painting a grim picture of crime in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were abducted on March 10, 2019, while travelling from Taraba State to Abuja.

Arrested on June 6 and 11, 2020, suspects Henry Gwa, 25, and Terhile Tsavbe, 30, both from Benue State, confessed to the crime during investigations.

The kidnappers extorted a ransom of N7.5m from the victims’ families, forcing Dr Benedict to write a N500,000 cheque, which was later cashed at a commercial bank in Gboko.

Despite the payment, the suspects brutally murdered the three victims, burying their remains in a shallow grave in Gawa, Katsina-Ala. Meanwhile, police exhumed the victims’ bodies to provide closure for their grieving families.

Dr Ganiyat Popoola’s 10-month ordeal

On December 27, 2023, the tranquillity of the National Eye Centre staff quarters in Kaduna State, was shattered when armed assailants abducted a Senior Registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology, Dr Ganiyat Olawole Popoola, along with her husband, Nurudeen, and their nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy, a student at the Airforce Technology Institute.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N60m for their release. Following negotiations, Nurudeen was released in March 2024, reportedly after a ransom payment.

However, Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity, with the abductors occasionally allowing family members brief communication to confirm their well-being.

The prolonged captivity of the doctor drew significant concern from the medical community and the public.

In August 2024, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, petitioned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging them to intervene and secure her release.

Throughout this harrowing period, Dr Ganiyat’s mother remained steadfast in her hope for her daughter’s safe return.

She expressed her belief that the kidnappers were driven by unemployment and hunger, stating, “It is likely that those who carried out the kidnap were unemployed or hungry, hence resorted to abduction.”

She further appealed for intensified security measures and job creation to prevent such incidents.

After 10 gruelling months, on October 30, 2024, the doctor and her nephew were finally released.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, officially handed them over to the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Bala Audu, and their family members.

The NMA president expressed profound gratitude to the security agencies for their efforts and called for continued action to rescue other Nigerians still in captivity.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors also confirmed her release, with Public Relations Officer, Omoha Amobi stating, “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in ensuring her safe return. The unwavering support, prayers, and contributions of all members and well-wishers have been invaluable during this challenging time.”

Dr Chike Akunyili’s gruesome murder

On September 28, 2021, Nigeria was rocked by the tragic news of the abduction and subsequent murder of Dr Chike Akunyili, a renowned medical doctor and the widower of the late Dora Akunyili, the former Director-General of NAFDAC.

The incident occurred in Nkpor, a town in Anambra State, as he was returning from a commemorative lecture in honour of his late wife.

Dr Akunyili was travelling with his driver and a police escort when their vehicle was ambushed by unidentified gunmen.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, killing him and others at the scene.

The attack was brutal, with reports suggesting that the perpetrators specifically targeted Dr Akunyili, possibly due to his prominent status and connections.

His driver and police escort were also killed in the ambush, leaving a scene of devastation that shocked the local community.

The murder of Dr Akunyili triggered widespread condemnation and mourning.

His family was devastated, describing him as a kind-hearted and selfless man who had dedicated his life to the service of others.

Many saw the murder as a symbol of the growing insecurity in Nigeria, where even prominent figures are not safe from the scourge of violence.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State condemned the incident, describing it as “an unacceptable and barbaric act.”

He assured the public that efforts were being made to track down the perpetrators and restore law and order in the state.

The Anambra State Police Command launched an investigation into the murder, promising to bring the culprits to justice.

Despite initial assurances, the case remains unresolved, with no arrests or prosecutions reported.

New Year, same palaver

As this year began, another medical practitioner, Dr Collinus Onuigbo, was kidnapped.

The renowned neurosurgeon at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, was abducted on a Tuesday evening near his residence, located just metres from the hospital.

Although he was released days later, his ordeal brought attention to the growing insecurity plaguing the state, despite recent governmental efforts.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo had launched a joint security initiative, Operation Udo ga-achi (Peace Must Reign), just three days prior, aiming to curb crime and restore peace.

However, the abduction of a high-profile medical professional underscored the challenges the state still faces in battling organised crime.

The incident, confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, prompted an immediate response from the Anambra State Police Command.

Acting on the orders of Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono-Itam, operatives mobilised swiftly, deploying resources to track the kidnappers and secure Dr Onuigbo’s release.

“The command is fully on the matter,” Ikenga assured, as efforts intensified to rescue the victim.

Dr Onuigbo’s family endured an agonising period of uncertainty while working tirelessly to ensure his safe return. Although it remains unclear whether a ransom was paid, the neurosurgeon was released unharmed by Thursday.

News of his freedom sparked jubilation at NAUTH, where staff and colleagues gathered in relief and gratitude. Doctors from various departments praised God for his safe return, singing and praying together in solidarity.

A colleague from the Urology Department expressed both gratitude and concern. “We are relieved he is back with his family, but the psychological toll of such an ordeal is unimaginable. Whether or not a ransom was paid or physical harm was inflicted, this experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.”

Onuigbo’s abduction is part of a worrying trend of targeting healthcare professionals in Nigeria. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms, especially as these professionals risk their lives to provide essential services.

Rising spate

Kidnappings of healthcare professionals in Nigeria have become alarmingly frequent in recent years.

On August 15, 2024, unidentified gunmen abducted 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, along with a doctor, along the Otukpo road in Benue State.

The victims were rescued unharmed by Nigerian police on August 23, 2024.

In July 2021, gunmen stormed the residential headquarters of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Centre in Kaduna State, abducting five health workers, including two nurses. The specifics of their release were not detailed in the available reports.

Hauwa Mohammed Liman, a 24-year-old Nigerian nurse and humanitarian worker with the International Committee of the Red Cross, was abducted in March 2018 by the Islamic State West Africa Province. She was executed on October 15, 2018, after ransom demands were not met.

On August 15, 2024, 20 Catholic medical students were kidnapped in Nigeria. The Catholic healthcare professionals condemned the abduction, and the students were subsequently released.

In 2022, the number of kidnapped health workers increased to 37, with seven health workers killed. Additionally, 11 incidents of health supplies being looted were reported, impacting 19 states, including Zamfara State.

These incidents highlight the increasing risks faced by healthcare professionals in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect those dedicated to providing essential medical services.

The surge in kidnappings across Nigeria is part of a broader wave of insecurity driven by economic hardship, weak governance, and organised crime.

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate as of 2023 stood at 33.3 per cent, with many young people turning to criminal activities to survive.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative industry, with money paid to secure the release of victims often running into millions of naira.

Doctors, perceived as affluent due to their professional status, are increasingly targeted by these criminals.

The healthcare sector in Nigeria is already overstretched, with only one doctor per 5,000 people, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of one doctor per 600 people.

The targeting of doctors by kidnappers has further strained the system, as many professionals have fled high-risk areas, leaving communities without adequate medical care.

Nationwide surge

Kidnappings of doctors are most prevalent in northern Nigeria, where banditry has escalated in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina.

However, the menace is not confined to the north. Southern states, including Edo, Delta, and Ondo, have also witnessed a rise in abductions of medical personnel.

Doctors are often targeted on their way to or from work, particularly in rural areas where security is minimal.

Hospitals and clinics in these regions are frequently understaffed, making it easier for criminals to identify and pursue their victims.

The kidnappers also exploit Nigeria’s inadequate road infrastructure and lack of effective policing, ambushing vehicles in isolated locations.

Possible motivations

The specific targeting of doctors by kidnappers and bandits can be attributed to several factors. A sociologist and senior researcher at the Institute of Sociological Research, Dr Ogbonnaya Anu, said some kidnappers see doctors as wealthy, of social value, and vulnerable since they provide essential services.

He said, “Although many Nigerian doctors are not affluent, their professional status often leads kidnappers to assume they can pay substantial ransoms.

“Kidnappers exploit the societal importance of doctors, banking on the likelihood that their abduction will generate significant attention and pressure on families and communities to meet ransom demands. Nigeria’s poorly funded healthcare system lacks robust security measures, making hospitals and clinics soft targets.”

The impact

The rise in kidnappings has contributed to an accelerating brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector. The NMA reports that over 10,000 Nigerian doctors are practising in the United States and the United Kingdom, with many citing insecurity as a key reason for leaving.

The exodus of doctors has left many communities, particularly in rural areas, without adequate healthcare services. Patients in these regions are forced to travel long distances to access care, often with devastating consequences for those requiring urgent medical attention.

Senior psychologist and member of the Psychologist Association of Nigeria, Usen Essien, stated that doctors who remain in Nigeria often operate under immense psychological stress, fearing for their safety and that of their families.

“This stress affects their ability to deliver quality care, compounding the challenges faced by an already strained health system,” he noted.

Legislative efforts

Laws such as the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act have been enacted to stiffen penalties for kidnapping and other crimes. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge, with many criminals escaping justice due to corruption and inefficiencies within the judicial system.

In response to rising insecurity, some states have implemented community policing initiatives, such as Amotekun in the South-West. These efforts aim to provide localised security solutions but often lack the resources and training necessary to be fully effective.

Economic, social dimensions

According to security experts, the targeting of doctors reflects broader socio-economic disparities in Nigeria. Kidnapping has become a survival strategy for many perpetrators, driven by poverty and unemployment.

They noted that addressing the crisis requires not only enhanced security measures but also broader efforts to reduce inequality and create economic opportunities.

A notable trend in 2024 was the prevalence of mass abductions, particularly in the northern regions. From January to June, there were 135 mass abduction incidents, each involving at least five victims, resulting in 3,277 people kidnapped and 125 killed.

The economic implications of this kidnapping epidemic are profound. According to SBM Intelligence, a renowned security outfit, the substantial financial drain from ransom payments diverts resources from essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Moreover, the pervasive fear of abduction has led to decreased investments, disrupted trade, and hindered economic activities, particularly in affected regions. Businesses are reluctant to operate in high-risk areas, leading to job losses and reduced economic output.

The social fabric of Nigerian society is also under strain. The constant threat of kidnapping has instilled widespread fear and anxiety among citizens. Families are forced to make significant financial sacrifices to secure the release of loved ones, often resulting in indebtedness and long-term economic hardship. Communities are becoming increasingly distrustful, and the psychological trauma experienced by victims and their families is immeasurable.

Efforts by security agencies to curb this menace have yielded limited success. While there have been instances of rescued hostages and neutralised kidnappers, the scale and frequency of abductions continue to rise.

Renowned security consultant Jackson Lekan-Ojo, based in Rivers State, said addressing Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis requires a multifaceted approach.

He said, “Strengthening security infrastructure, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring swift judicial processes are crucial steps. Additionally, addressing the root causes, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, can help reduce the allure of kidnapping as a lucrative venture.

“Community engagement and collaboration with local leaders can also play a pivotal role in restoring trust and enhancing security at the grassroots level.

“The kidnapping-for-ransom epidemic in Nigeria poses a significant threat to the nation’s economic stability and social cohesion. Without comprehensive and sustained efforts to combat this menace, the country’s development prospects remain bleak, and the safety of its citizens hangs in the balance.”

Global examples

Nigeria can learn from other nations that have faced similar challenges. For example, Colombia, once plagued by widespread kidnappings, implemented a multi-pronged approach that included military interventions, public awareness campaigns, and socio-economic reforms. This led to a significant reduction in abductions.

Similarly, in regions like Bihar in India, where kidnappings were common, local governments improved law enforcement and provided economic incentives to deter criminal activities.

Strengthen security measures for medics – Physician

A medical practitioner, Dr Jennifer Emokai, tasked the government with prioritising the protection of medical personnel through increased funding for security and the deployment of technology, such as surveillance drones and emergency alert systems.

She added that creating jobs and improving access to education can help address the root causes of crime.

She said, “Investing in the healthcare system, including better remuneration and working conditions for doctors, can reduce their vulnerability to kidnappers.”

The kidnapping of doctors in Nigeria is a symptom of broader insecurity and socio-economic challenges. Addressing this crisis requires a comprehensive strategy that tackles its root causes while ensuring the immediate safety of medical personnel.

By protecting its doctors, Nigeria can not only safeguard its health sector but also take a significant step toward restoring public confidence in its institutions.