Zamfara in Crisis: Medical Doctor Abducted by Suspected Bandits Near Jangebe
Introduction
In yet another disturbing incident highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria's North-West region, a respected medical professional, Dr. Alhaji Abdullahi Dangulbi, has been abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State. The incident took place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, near Tashar Kalgo Village, shortly after Jangebe town in Talata Mafara Local Government Area (LGA).
The news, which has sparked outrage among locals and health sector stakeholders, was reported by renowned security analyst Zagazola Makama, who disclosed that the medical doctor was on a routine journey from Anka to Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, when he was forcefully taken by armed assailants.
This alarming development adds to the growing list of abductions and violent attacks that have plagued Zamfara State and its neighboring regions, making the state one of the most dangerous places for civilians, particularly professionals, to live and work in Nigeria today.
Who is Dr. Abdullahi Dangulbi?
Dr. Abdullahi Dangulbi is a well-known medical doctor attached to Anka General Hospital, a government-run facility in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Colleagues describe him as a dedicated and compassionate healthcare worker who has served the local community with integrity and commitment for years.
“He is not just a doctor; he is like family to the people of Anka. He delivers babies, treats emergencies, and attends to every patient with empathy and respect,” said a nurse at the hospital who wished to remain anonymous.
His abduction is not just an attack on one individual but a direct threat to the fragile healthcare system in Zamfara, which is already struggling under the weight of insecurity, poor infrastructure, and brain drain.
Details of the Abduction
According to reports made public by Zagazola Makama, a credible source known for providing intelligence on armed conflicts in Nigeria's North-East and North-West, Dr. Dangulbi was kidnapped around Tashar Kalgo Village, a hotspot for criminal activities in recent years.
“The victim was seized at Tashar Kalgo Village, shortly after Jangebe town in Talata Mafara LGA, while travelling from Anka to Gusau,” Makama stated in a tweet on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses suggest that the doctor was ambushed by armed men in broad daylight. They reportedly blocked the road, halted his vehicle, and took him away at gunpoint. His whereabouts remain unknown as of the time of this report, and no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Zamfara State: A Hotbed of Insecurity
Zamfara State has long been a center of banditry, kidnappings, and violent clashes between armed groups and security forces. Over the past decade, the security situation in the state has steadily worsened, with rural communities frequently targeted by bandits who extort, kill, and abduct for ransom.
Despite several military operations and the establishment of task forces, including Operation Hadarin Daji, the region remains unstable. The Nigerian government’s efforts to negotiate peace with the bandits have largely failed, and civilians are increasingly becoming collateral damage in the ongoing crisis.
Doctors, teachers, farmers, and even school children have all fallen victim to the wave of violence that has taken hold of Zamfara. The kidnapping of Dr. Dangulbi underscores the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
The Impact on Healthcare Workers in Nigeria
The kidnapping of a medical doctor is not just a personal tragedy—it is a sign of a national emergency in the healthcare sector. Nigeria is already grappling with an acute shortage of medical professionals. Many doctors have left the country in recent years due to poor working conditions, low pay, and insecurity.
When healthcare workers are no longer safe, especially in rural and conflict-prone regions like Zamfara, the entire healthcare delivery system is at risk of collapse. Hospitals are left without qualified personnel, and patients are forced to travel long distances to seek care, often with fatal consequences.
“We are tired. Every day we risk our lives just by going to work. Now one of us has been taken. What do we do?” asked a visibly distraught doctor in Gusau.
Reactions from the Public and Authorities
The abduction of Dr. Dangulbi has drawn widespread condemnation from Nigerian citizens, civil society organizations, and health workers' unions. Many have taken to social media to demand urgent action from the federal and state governments.
The Zamfara State Ministry of Health has expressed deep concern over the incident, urging security agencies to do everything possible to secure the doctor's release. However, no official statement had been made by the Zamfara State Government at the time of writing.
Several Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) chapters across the country have also called for improved security for health workers, especially in conflict-affected regions.
Calls for Action
This incident highlights the pressing need for robust security reforms in Nigeria. Stakeholders are calling for the following measures:
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Increased security presence in rural areas, especially along vulnerable road routes.
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Deployment of surveillance technology like drones and tracking systems to monitor bandit activities.
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Community engagement and intelligence gathering to detect potential threats early.
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Strengthening of local vigilante groups with proper training and equipment to support official forces.
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Immediate and transparent investigation into Dr. Dangulbi's kidnapping.
Until these measures are implemented, innocent Nigerians—especially professionals and service providers—will continue to live in fear.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria
The abduction of Dr. Alhaji Abdullahi Dangulbi is more than a headline—it is a chilling reminder that no one is safe in Zamfara State anymore. From teachers to traders, and now doctors, every citizen is at risk of falling victim to armed banditry and lawlessness.
For a country that aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the safety of healthcare providers must be a top priority. The government must act swiftly to rescue Dr. Dangulbi and restore confidence among Nigerians that their lives matter.
As the nation prays for his safe return, we must continue to demand justice, safety, and real action from those in power.
