…NMA demands Investigation
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, has expressed grief over the death of a young medical doctor, Dr. Stephen Vanman, whose lifeless body was found in Port Harcourt after he was reported missing.
The NMA said the cause of death remained unknown, while calling on security agencies to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the NMA Rivers State Branch, Dr. Diamond Tonye-Obene, the Association said its State Officers Committee (SOC) was informed of Dr. Vanman’s disappearance after he reportedly went to work at a private hospital whose name was not immediately known.
According to the statement, the NMA leadership, under its Chairman, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Oparaodu, immediately contacted the deceased’s relatives and roommates to ascertain his whereabouts.
The family reportedly informed the Association that Dr. Vanman had been unreachable since Saturday night.
The NMA said its State Officers Committee later accompanied the deceased’s family to the Mini-Okoro Police Station, Rumuobiakani, Port Harcourt, where they were informed that his body had been found by police personnel at Market Junction, along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026.
The body was subsequently deposited in a mortuary, according to the Association.
The NMA leadership and members of the deceased’s family also visited the mortuary, where the body was inspected and identified as that of Dr. Vanman.
Dr. Vanman was a medical officer who completed his compulsory housemanship at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) earlier this year and subsequently commenced private medical practice.
Expressing concern over the circumstances of his death, the NMA said it would work closely with security agencies and provide every necessary information within its capacity to assist the investigation.
The Association said it was committed to supporting efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the doctor’s death and ensure that those responsible, if any, were apprehended and prosecuted.
“The NMA Rivers State Branch is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, friends and colleagues,” the statement said.
The Association prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the deceased’s family and prayed that his soul would “rest in perfect peace.”
The statement was dated August 11, 2026.
