The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Cross River State has declared a total and indefinite strike following the kidnap of two of their members, Dr Omini and Dr Egong on Friday 18th November along Calabar-Ikom Highway, Okomita – Uyanga axis ( Akampka) in the state.
The decision was taken during an emergency general meeting held late night on Sunday in Calabar.
In a release signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the association, Dr Felix Archibong, and Dr Etim Amaku, respectively, made available to The Trent it stated that following the deliberations concerning the matter at hand, members unanimously agreed to activate strike protocol.
They stated that following the activation of the reviewed “Strike Protocol” which provides for a window of 48hours by NMA-CRS to the government to secure the unconditional release of their kidnapped member/dependant, failing which they have no other option than to embark on a total and indefinite strike at the EGM, pending their release.
“Hence NMA-CRS has proceeded on a Total and Indefinite Strike, effective this evening, 20th November 2022. That the strike is total and indefinite, and as such, any violation by an individual attracts a fine.
“The government should, as a matter of urgency, provide Security Patrols and Checkpoints on that axis of the road where the risk is greater and as a matter of urgency, commence the repairs of that section of the road to prevent attacks on vehicles who reduce their speed to be able to go through the bad roads.
“We are not oblivious of the hardship these decisions may cause to it’s members and the general public, hence we call on all relevant security agencies to ensure the timely and safe release of our abducted colleagues,” they stated.
Recall that Vanguard had earlier reported that the kidnappers had called families of the doctor’s in their den to demand a whooping 100 million naira for their release.
NMA Confirms Kidnap Of Medical Doctor In Kogi
The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has confirmed the kidnapping of one of its members, Dr Rukayat Musa, in Kogi State.
A statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Dr Abubakar Alhassan; and Secretary, Dr Udebuani Chimezie, said Dr Musa was forcefully taken away by the kidnappers on 21st June 2022 along Geregu-Ajaokuta stretch of Geregu Ajaokuta- Lokoja road while returning from an official assignment at Anyigba in Kogi State.
According to the statement, Dr Rukayat Musa works with the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, office in Lokoja.
The association, however, calls on the Government and all security agencies to work very hard towards her early and safe return.
Terrorists Attack Hospital, Kill Doctors, Abduct Several Others
Armed gunmen have reportedly killed two persons at the Abdulsalam Abubakar General Hospital, Gulu, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.
They also kidnapped over ten persons including a doctor and a pharmacist, among others.
The attack occurred in the early hours of today, Tuesday at about 2 a.m.
One of those killed was said to be retired medical personnel known as Ya-Tachi, who lived directly opposite the hospital in the area.
It was learnt that the bandits, in large numbers, stormed the hospital shooting sporadically during their operation without any intervention from security personnel and the local vigilantes from the area.
Zakari Nda a resident of the area told our correspondent in a telephone chat that the gunmen unleashed attacks on the hospital resulting in the death of two persons.
“They arrived in large numbers and were shooting sporadically, which sent fears into the people during the period of their operation.
“At the end of the operation, many people were abducted and some wounded,” he stated.
He also called on the Niger State government and the security personnel to rise up and do the needful in order to end the incessant attacks on communities.
This is the fourth time kidnappers have attacked different communities within the area in recent times.
The incident has further heightened tension among the villagers, particularly with lack of presence of both security agents and local vigilantes during the attack.
However, efforts to get the reaction of the State Police command failed as the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Wasiu Abiodun could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.
Source: Vanguard
