“He Spent 9 Days in Captivity”: Abia Doctors Call Off Strike as Kidnapped Colleague Regains Freedom.

After nine harrowing days in captivity, Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, a well known orthopaedic surgeon in Abia State, has finally been released. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia chapter, confirmed the news, bringing relief to colleagues and family who had feared for his life.

Dr. Aguocha was abducted on May 24, 2026. His release followed intense efforts by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodinma, as well as security agencies including the DSS and the Nigerian Police Force.

In a joint statement, the NMA Abia chairman, Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike, and secretary, Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye, expressed joy but also frustration. They revealed that a planned strike set to begin on June 2 had now been suspended.

However, they didn’t hide their anger over the growing trend of attacks on doctors. They pointed to the unresolved case of Professor Iweha, kidnapped back in 2020, as proof that medics are becoming easy targets.

“The recurring targeting of doctors severely undermines the morale of professionals already working under difficult conditions,” they warned, calling for an end to such attacks in Abia and across Nigeria.

For now, the surgical blades are back in hand but the fear remains.