Some Nigerian doctors on their platform have expressed deep concerns about his prolonged detention in a tweet on Wednesday, saying his captors continue to demand a ransom of $100,000.
Dr Austin Uwumagbe, a private medical practitioner, has remained in captivity for over a year after being kidnapped on 19 September 2023 in Ogaminana, Kogi State.
Some Nigerian doctors on their platform have expressed deep concerns about his prolonged detention in a tweet on Wednesday, saying his captors continue to demand a ransom of $100,000.
“As we celebrate the release of Dr Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola after ten months in captivity, we remember Dr Austin Uwumagbe, who was kidnapped thirteen months ago,” a statement by the doctors on X read.
Unlike Dr Olawale-Popoola, whose case garnered significant public attention, Dr Uwumagbe lacks active association support, raising fears he may be forgotten.
Doctors in Kogi recently took to the streets in Lokoja, calling for urgent action. The Kogi State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Olusola Baoku, emphasised that over 48 doctors had been kidnapped in two years, lamenting, “Our accounts are empty... They should stop kidnapping doctors for ransom, because we are very poor.”
The kidnappers reportedly contacted Dr Uwumagbe’s family, reiterating their ransom demand as his family and colleagues continue to appeal for his safe return.
The statement added, ‘As we celebrate the release of Dr Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola, after ten months in captivity,
"We remember Dr Austin Uwumagbe, who was kidnapped 13 months ago.
“September 19, 2023, he was kidnapped at Ogaminana, Kogi State. Kidnappers demanded $100,000. He is yet to be released.
“While his case may not generate as much publicity as Dr Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola's case, being a private practitioner, with no active association to speak up for him, we hope he will not be forgotten.
“His family members are still waiting too. Please, save our colleague.”
DR AUSTIN UWUMAGBE'S THIRTEEN MONTHS IN KIDNAPPERS DEN.
As we celebrate the release of Dr Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola, after TEN MONTHS in captivity,
We remember Dr Austin Uwumagbe, who was kidnapped THIRTEEN MONTHS AGO.
September 19, 2023, he was kidnapped at Ogaminana, Kogi… https://t.co/gJVZ8W7ur0 pic.twitter.com/TWkDfh12gg— Nigerian Doctor (@Nigerian_Doctor) October 30, 2024