Nma Decries Incessant Kidnapping of Doctors in Aba

Uchenna Nwosu


 The Aba branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decried the incessant abduction of doctors in the city and warned that if the trend is not stopped, doctors in the city might be compelled to down tools.

Briefing journalists yesterday, the Chairman of the NMA, Aba zone, Dr. Udo Mark, who condemned the kidnapping of the doctors, urged the state government to beef up security in the city to protect lives and property.

The association lamented that on April 7, a doctor was abducted in the city on his way to acquire medical supplies, pointing out that 72 hours later, another doctor was seized at his clinic with patients.

He said: “On April 7, a medical doctor was kidnapped when he went to procure medical supplies. 72 hours later, another doctor was kidnapped at his clinic with his patients. If a doctor feels that his life is at risk, that doctor will not go to work, therefore, we asking the government to ensure adequate security in Aba and environs.

“Besides, we are  appealing to these men to stop kidnapping doctors. Do not touch doctors because they are God’s anointed. We are here to do God’s work. God created life and we are here to maintain and save lives,” he said, stressing “it is wrong to touch doctors; they should do everything to protect doctors from being kidnapped. I don’t have to tell them what to do, I’m sure they know what to do.”

 Earlier, in a meeting with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and representatives of NMA, Aba, the new Police Area Commander in Aba, Peter Okpara, said the police had beefed up security in Aba to curb the spate of kidnappings in the city.

He requested residents to volunteer useful information on suspected movements to the police, adding that the Police Tactical Response team has the capacity to respond to distress calls within few minutes in any area.

 The Aba branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decried the incessant abduction of doctors in the city and warned that if the trend is not stopped, doctors in the city might be compelled to down tools.

Briefing journalists yesterday, the Chairman of the NMA, Aba zone, Dr. Udo Mark, who condemned the kidnapping of the doctors, urged the state government to beef up security in the city to protect lives and property.

The association lamented that on April 7, a doctor was abducted in the city on his way to acquire medical supplies, pointing out that 72 hours later, another doctor was seized at his clinic with patients.

He said: “On April 7, a medical doctor was kidnapped when he went to procure medical supplies. 72 hours later, another doctor was kidnapped at his clinic with his patients. If a doctor feels that his life is at risk, that doctor will not go to work, therefore, we asking the government to ensure adequate security in Aba and environs.

“Besides, we are  appealing to these men to stop kidnapping doctors. Do not touch doctors because they are God’s anointed. We are here to do God’s work. God created life and we are here to maintain and save lives,” he said, stressing “it is wrong to touch doctors; they should do everything to protect doctors from being kidnapped. I don’t have to tell them what to do, I’m sure they know what to do.”

 Earlier, in a meeting with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and representatives of NMA, Aba, the new Police Area Commander in Aba, Peter Okpara, said the police had beefed up security in Aba to curb the spate of kidnappings in the city.

He requested residents to volunteer useful information on suspected movements to the police, adding that the Police Tactical Response team has the capacity to respond to distress calls within few minutes in any area.