Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro, a medical laboratory scientist at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo in Ondo State, has been safely rescued just 24 hours after armed gunmen abducted him from his home in Upenme community. The swift rescue operation, conducted jointly by police operatives and local vigilante groups, ended without any ransom payment and has sparked renewed conversations about healthcare worker safety across Nigeria.
The Thursday evening kidnapping of Akesinro represented another troubling incident in Nigeria’s escalating pattern of targeting medical professionals. Armed men stormed his residence around 7:00 PM, whisking the healthcare worker away to an unknown location, triggering immediate mobilization by the Ondo State Police Command and local security networks.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal immediately activated a comprehensive rescue operation, deploying tactical teams alongside the Upenme Vigilante Group and local hunters for intensive “bush-combing” operations. The coordinated effort paid dividends when security forces confronted the kidnappers in a gun battle during Friday night operations, forcing them to abandon their victim and flee.
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) in Ondo State expressed gratitude for the swift response, praising security agencies, government authorities, and community members whose “prayers, efforts, and support led to Akesinro’s safe release”.
Beyond this individual case, the rescue occurred amid broader security achievements in Ondo State. Police Commissioner Lawal announced the arrest of 100 suspects across all 18 local government areas for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities during August operations. Notable recoveries included weapons, ammunition, and the dismantling of criminal supply chains, including an 87-year-old arms dealer who provided ammunition to criminal networks.
The Akesinro kidnapping reflects a disturbing nationwide trend targeting Nigeria’s medical professionals. Data from healthcare organizations reveals that over 109 health workers have been abducted since 2019, with 30 medical professionals kidnapped in 20 separate incidents during 2024 alone.
Recent high-profile cases include Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, an ophthalmologist held captive for 10 months before her October 2024 release, and the August 2024 abduction of 20 medical students traveling through Benue State. These incidents prompted the National Association of Resident Doctors to initiate nationwide strikes, demanding enhanced security measures for healthcare workers.
Security analysts identify multiple factors driving the targeting of medical professionals: perceived wealth due to professional status, societal importance that generates pressure for ransom payments, and vulnerability due to inadequate security at healthcare facilities. The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria has called for global action against these abductions, emphasizing how such crimes undermine essential healthcare services.
Social media responses to healthcare worker kidnappings have ranged from outrage among medical professionals to calls for enhanced security protocols. The pan-Yoruba organization Afenifere expressed concern over the Akesinro case, linking it to broader regional security challenges and advocating for strengthened local security networks.
The broader implications extend beyond individual cases. Nigeria’s healthcare system already operates with only one doctor per 5,000 people—far below WHO recommendations—while facing massive brain drain as medical professionals emigrate to escape insecurity. The targeting of healthcare workers further strains this system, leaving communities without adequate medical care and contributing to the departure of medical professionals from high-risk areas.
The successful rescue of Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated security responses, yet highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect Nigeria’s essential healthcare workers from this growing threat.