BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
A mob in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has partially razed a building allegedly used by kidnappers to detain a medical doctor, Dr Edwin Emegakor, and four other victims before their rescue by security operatives.
Dr Emegakor, the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, was reportedly abducted from his hospital on May 7, 2026, and held captive in the building until his rescue on May 10 after spending three days in captivity.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Anambra State, Dr Princeton Okam, confirmed the doctor’s release on Monday, disclosing that operatives of the Rapid Response/Anti-Kidnap Squad, Awkuzu Unit of the Nigeria Police Force rescued him during a fierce gun battle with the kidnappers.
According to Okam, one police officer was killed during the operation, while two others sustained injuries. He added that the rescued doctor was in stable condition and had reunited with his family.
Following the rescue, angry residents reportedly stormed the building on Monday and set parts of it ablaze over alleged criminal activities linked to the property. The mob was, however, prevented from completely destroying the structure.
Residents also called on the Anambra State Government to demolish the building, similar to actions previously taken against properties allegedly connected to kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
A video circulating online showed youths inspecting the premises and rooms where the victims were allegedly held. A shrine discovered within the compound further heightened suspicion and outrage among residents, who claimed criminal activities had become rampant around the Mgbuka-Obosi area.
The property was reportedly linked to a trader popularly known as “Fabulous” at the Mgbuka Amazu Motor Spare Parts Market along the Onitsha-Owerri Road. Residents demanded a thorough investigation to uncover all individuals connected to the alleged criminal network.
As of Tuesday, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while operatives of the state-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, were expected to assess the property.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State chapter of the NMA suspended its planned industrial action following the doctor’s rescue. In a communiqué signed by Dr Princeton Okam and the association’s Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, the doctors commended security agencies and the state government for efforts that led to the rescue operation.
The association also condoled with the Awkuzu Anti-Kidnapping Unit over the death of the police officer and disclosed that its leadership had visited the injured officers in hospital and pledged to offset their medical bills.
The doctors further renewed calls for stronger security measures and advocated the establishment of state police to address rising insecurity in the state. They also appreciated the intervention of the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, while urging more proactive steps to curb the recent wave of kidnappings and violent crimes.
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