13/01/2026
Doctors Down Tools as Abduction of EDSUTH Doctor Enters Second Week
🖋️Kadiri, J.E.
Auchi, Edo State
Jan. 12, 2026
The Management of Edo State University Teaching Hospital (EDSUTH) has issued an official update on the abduction of one of its medical doctors, Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, who has now been in captivity for 11 days.
In a statement dated January 12, 2026, and signed by the Head of Administration, Mr. A. O. Mohammed, the hospital management disclosed that the incident has left the entire hospital community in a sober and prayerful state. The prolonged absence of Dr. Babatunde has continued to generate deep concern among colleagues and staff.
As a show of solidarity with the family of the abducted doctor and in protest against the worsening security situation, doctors’ services at the hospital have remained shut down for the past one week.
Management, however, assured the public that it has not relented in efforts to secure the safe release of Dr. Babatunde. According to the statement, the hospital has been working closely with the Edo State Government, relevant security agencies, and other critical stakeholders, providing all necessary support and cooperation required to aid ongoing rescue efforts.
“These engagements are ongoing and are being handled with the seriousness and discretion the situation demands,” the statement noted.
The management further appealed to members of the public, hospital staff, and stakeholders to remain calm, supportive, and prayerful, expressing hope that the situation would end positively by the grace of Almighty Allah.
Meanwhile, it will be recalled that on January 8, 2026, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo North Chapter, staged a protest over the abduction. The protest train visited the Edo State University Iyamho, the Nigeria Police Area Command in Auchi, and the Auchi Royal Palace during the Auchi Day Celebration.
During the protest, the NMA strongly condemned the rising cases of abductions and killings of medical workers and residents in Auchi. The association also issued a 78-hour ultimatum to security authorities, warning that the Edo State chapter of the NMA would down tools if Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde was not rescued within the stipulated time.
As of the time of filing this report, Dr. Babatunde remains in captivity, while tension and anxiety continue to mount within the hospital and the wider Auchi community.
Management of EDSUTH said it will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.
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