12/08/2026
NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA), RIVERS STATE BRANCH MOURNS.
The attention of the State Officers Committee (SOC), NMA Rivers State Branch, was brought earlier today to the case of a missing colleague, Dr. Stephen Vanman, who was said to have gone to work at a private hospital, the name of which is presently unknown. Upon receiving this information, the NMA Rivers State leadership, led by Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Oparaodu, immediately swung into action and contacted the relatives and roommates of Dr. Stephen Vanman. The family informed the Association that he had been unreachable since Saturday night.
The SOC, accompanied the family of the deceased to Mini-Okoro Police Station, Rumuobiakani, Port Harcourt, where they were informed that the body of Dr. Stephen Vanman was found lying lifeless at Market Junction, by Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, and was subsequently deposited to the mortuary. The SOC also accompanied the family to the mortuary, where the co**se was inspected and confirmed.
Dr. Stephen Vanman was a Medical Officer who completed his compulsory Housemanship at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) earlier this year and was engaged in private practicel.
The NMA Rivers State Branch is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, friends and colleagues.
NMA Rivers State will work closely with the security agencies and provide every necessary information within its capacity to support the investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to justice.
We pray that God Almighty will comfort and strengthen the family at this very difficult moment. May the soul of our departed colleague, Dr. Stephen Vanman, rest in perfect peace.
Signed:
Dr. Diamond Tonye-Obene
Secretary, NMA Rivers State Branch.
August 11, 2026