Kidnapping: NMA threatens to withdraw services in Cross River

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River has threatened to withdraw services over the incessant kidnappings of its members in the state.

The threat is contained in a communiqué signed by Agam Ayuk, its chairman, and Ezoke Epoke, its secretary, after its emergency general meeting held on Wednesday in Calabar.

The association said that the threat became necessary following the kidnap of Ogbonna Uchenna-Aju, one of its member, on May 3, while on transit from Ogoja to Obudu area of the state.

It said that the kidnap of Uchenna-Aju had brought psychological trauma and emotional destabilization to members of his family and the NMA in Cross River.

“The state government and security agencies are given 48 hours to facilitate the unconditional release of Dr Ogbonna Uchenna-Aju,” the communiqué read.

“Failure to secure his release at the expiration of this ultimatum, NMA in Cross River will proceed on a total and indefinite withdrawal of services in both the private, public and institutional hospitals in the state.

“The hospitals include University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, General Hospitals, Medical Centres, Mission Hospital and Private Clinic/Hospitals from 12 midnight of May 9.

“NMA is not unmindful of the impact of strike action on the good people of the state. However, we cannot continue to save lives while ours is under constant threat by armed bandits and kidnappers.”

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.