Kidnapped doctor regains freedom

Ogbonna Uchenna-Aju, a medical practitioner, who was kidnapped on May 3, in Cross River by unknown gunmen, has regained freedom, NAN reports.

The announcement of his release is contained in a communiqué signed by Agam Ayuk, the chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), south south zone, and Ezoke Epoke, the secretary, after its general emergency meeting held on Sunday in Calabar.

The association said that Uchenna-Aju was released safely on May 9, through the efforts of the state government, security agencies and the media.

“Arising from the meeting and taking into serious consideration the healthcare needs of Cross Riverians, the NMA in Cross River has suspended the notice of total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state,” they said.

“The association have also directed all its members across the state to resume work immediately.

“The association will keep to her January 8th 2018 resolution in the event of the kidnapped of a doctor or dependents which says that `the NMA will henceforth withdraw all medical services without any notice anytime a doctor or dependent are taken captive in future.”

The association implores the state government and security agencies to do more to safeguard lives and property in the state.

Uchenna-Aju was kidnapped while on transit from Ogoja local government area (LGA) to his house in Obudu local government area (LGA) in the state.

The NMA in the state had threatened to withdraw services over the incessant kidnappings of its members in the state.

The rate of kidnappings across the country has been a source of concern, with the opposition accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of not doing enough to tackle the situation.

The president was recently under fire for saying that Mohammed Adamu, acting inspector-general of police, had lost weight because of his efforts to tackle insecurity.