The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Abia State has officially confirmed the release of Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, a prominent orthopedic surgeon who was abducted on May 24, 2026. After spending nine days in captivity, he has regained his freedom, bringing relief to the medical community and his family.
In a statement, NMA Chairman Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike and Secretary Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for their intervention. They also acknowledged the efforts of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force in securing the surgeon’s release.
As a result of this development, the NMA has called off the strike that was scheduled to begin on June 2 in Abia State, which was initiated in protest of the abduction. However, the association has urgently appealed for an end to attacks on doctors in Abia and across Nigeria, warning that such incidents severely undermine the morale of healthcare professionals operating under challenging conditions.
The NMA leaders highlighted the ongoing case of Professor Iweha, who has been missing since 2020, as a stark example of the persistent targeting of medical practitioners. They emphasized that these threats not only endanger lives but also negatively impact the quality of healthcare delivery in the region.