The Nigerian Medical Association, Benue State Chapter, has vowed to go on strike in response to the kidnapping of one of its members three weeks ago while on assignment in Ukum.
Dr Asema Msuega was abducted in Ukum while supervising a malaria campaign at the local government’s primary healthcare facility.
This abduction followed the kidnapping of Dr Ekanem Ephraim from her home in Calabar a month ago by armed men posing as patients.
Dr Mshakuma Anenga, chairman of the organisation, expressed worry in a statement on Wednesday that the recent kidnapping was the state’s second in the last three months.
Mrs Anenga voiced concern that Mseuga was the only medical practitioner at the General Hospital in Sankera and that his kidnapping was not given the utmost attention.
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“Dr Asema has devoted himself to the service of the people for several years. His kidnap made it the second abduction of a medical doctor in the past three months within our state.,” she said.
“This pattern cannot be ignored, as it now seems like doctors, who have given their lives to the service of humanity, are being targeted for kidnap in the state.”
The association stated clearly that if the state government does not commit all resources to secure the return of the kidnapped doctor, it will go on strike and withdraw its services.
“The union calls on the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and top politicians, Senator Emmanuel Udende representing Benue North East Senatorial District to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the abducted medical doctor,” Mrs Anenga continued in her statement.
“We equally seek the intervention of the revered Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Orchiviligh HRM Prof James Ayatse, to take decisive and immediate action that will lead to the release of our colleague and his subordinate.”
