A medical doctor, Edwin Emegakor, who was kidnapped in Anambra State, has regained his freedom.
Emegakor, the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital in Nkpor, was abducted on May 7, 2026, after attending to patients at the hospital. The kidnappers were reportedly armed men dressed in security uniforms.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter, Dr Princeton Okam, confirmed the doctor’s release to journalists in Awka on Sunday, May 10.
Reports indicated that during the abduction, security personnel, medical staff, and other workers at the hospital were held at gunpoint, while their mobile phones were seized by the attackers.
Following the incident, the Anambra chapter of the NMA threatened to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday if the doctor was not released within 48 hours. The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting held on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of the planned strike, Dr Okam expressed gratitude over Emegakor’s safe release, noting that the doctor had been rescued with the assistance of police operatives.
Although he did not reveal whether any ransom was paid, Okam said the doctor was in good health, in high spirits, and had reunited with his family.
“The release of the doctor has overtaken the strike action scheduled to commence on Monday, and there will be an emergency general meeting to decide on the suspension of the action,” he said.
Okam also appreciated everyone involved in the rescue operation and urged the Anambra State Government to strengthen efforts toward protecting lives and property across the state.
