Abducted Cross River doctors released — one day after protest strike began

Two medical doctors abducted by gunmen in Cross River state have been released.

The Cross River chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) announced their release on Tuesday.

Felix Archibong, chairperson of the branch, confirmed the development to NAN while thanking Ben Ayade, the state governor, and security agencies for helping to facilitate the release of the medical doctors.

The NMA chairman said the doctors regained their freedom alongside two others in the early hours of Tuesday without payment of ransom.

Archibong added that the doctors were released unhurt.

“I can confirm to you that my two members have been released, they were released with the two other persons abducted with them,” he was quoted as saying.

“I want to commend the state government and security agencies for their efforts. They have given us hope that Nigeria will get better.”

INDEFINITE STRIKE

The release of the doctors is coming one day after the Cross River chapter of the NMA had declared an indefinite strike to protest the abduction.

The NMA said the declaration of the strike is to draw the government’s attention to the issue.

“Members observed the deplorable state of the road, especially from Okomita to Uyanga, all in Akamkpa local government area. This deplorable state of the road causes vehicular movement around that area to proceed at minimal speed, hence providing an advantage to these criminal elements to perpetuate their evil intentions,” the association had said.

“NMA in Cross River has embarked on an indefinite strike from Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 in solidarity with her members still in the hands of their abductors.

“The government should activate all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our members in the hands of their abductors.

“The state government should as a matter of urgency provide security checkpoints and patrol vehicles at vulnerable areas of the road.”