Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, a private medical practitioner, has been held hostage for over a year after his abduction on September 19, 2023, in Ogaminana, Kogi State. His kidnapping has sparked alarm among the medical community, especially as his captors continue to demand a ransom of $100,000.
In a recent tweet, Nigerian doctors expressed their concerns about Dr. Uwumagbe’s extended captivity, particularly in light of the recent release of Dr. Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola, who was freed after ten months in the hands of kidnappers. The doctors’ statement on X emphasized that while they celebrate Olawale-Popoola’s return, Dr. Uwumagbe’s plight should not be overlooked.
Unlike Olawale-Popoola’s case, which received substantial media coverage and public support, Dr. Uwumagbe lacks a robust backing network, leading to fears that he may be forgotten in the ongoing crisis of violence against healthcare professionals.
Recently, doctors in Kogi staged protests in Lokoja, demanding immediate action regarding the growing trend of kidnappings. Dr. Olusola Baoku, the Kogi State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, highlighted that more than 48 doctors have been kidnapped in just two years. He lamented the financial strain on medical practitioners, stating, “Our accounts are empty… They should stop kidnapping doctors for ransom, because we are very poor.”
Reports indicate that the kidnappers have reached out to Dr. Uwumagbe’s family, reiterating their ransom demand while his loved ones and colleagues continue to appeal for his safe return. The doctors’ statement reiterated the urgency of Dr. Uwumagbe’s situation, reminding everyone of his ongoing captivity.
“While we celebrate Dr. Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola’s release, we must remember Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, who was taken from us 13 months ago. He was kidnapped on September 19, 2023, in Ogaminana, Kogi State, and the kidnappers still demand $100,000 for his release. Although his case hasn’t attracted as much attention as Dr. Olawale-Popoola’s, we hope he will not be forgotten,” the statement urged.
Dr. Uwumagbe’s family anxiously awaits news of his release. “Please, save our colleague,” the statement concluded, underscoring the urgent need for action.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J