The Nigeria Medical Association, Benue State chapter, has raised the alarm about the continuous abduction of its members in the Ukum local government area of the state.
The union thereafter called on government at all levels, political leaders, and traditional rulers to help in the release of one of their members kidnapped by the local government three weeks ago.
It will be recalled that a medical doctor, Dr Asema Msuega, was kidnapped about three weeks ago while he was embarking on malaria programme supervision at a Primary Health Centre in Ukum LGA.
According to the statement issued and signed by the chairman of the association, Dr Mshakuma Anenga, which was made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday, the union stated that the abducted doctor was the only medical doctor at General Hospital, Sankera.
It further threatened to embark on an indefinite strike. if the kidnapped medical doctor is not released.
Parts of the statement read, “Dr Asema was the only doctor at General Hospital Sankera, where he devoted himself to the service of the people for several years. His kidnapping makes it the second abduction of a medical doctor in the past three months in our state.
“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 kidnapping in the state.
The union called on the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and top politicians, Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North East Senatorial Zone, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Paul Biam, to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the abducted medical doctor.
“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.
In solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Benue State, which has been on strike since this distressing incident occurred, we raise our unified voices to demand justice for Dr Asema Msuega.
“We want to make it very clear that Dr Asema has spent 25 days in captivity, and if this issue lingers unresolved, we will not in good conscience continue rendering our vital services while our colleague endures unimaginable suffering in the clutches of heartless kidnappers.
“We also urge the government to reinforce security measures around health facilities across the state, especially in areas that have become breeding grounds for heinous crimes.
The safety of our health workers is not negotiable; it is a fundamental right that must be preserved at all costs,” the statement read in parts.
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