Kogi NMA Calls off Strike, Anticipates Release of Kidnapped Doctor

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja 

Following reassurances by the government and security agencies that a  kidnapped medical practitioner,
Dr Austin Uwumagbe, would be rescued, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has suspended strike in Kogi State.

This was contained in a  communique issued yesterday, and was jointly signed by Kogi State NMA Chairman, Dr. Olusola Baoku and Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Kelvin respectively after an emergency Congress of the association.

In the past 72 hours, the Nigeria Medical Association, had shut down both private and public health institutions, expressing their displeasure in the continuous kidnap of medical doctors across the country.

The communique further stated that an Emergency Congress Meeting was called to review the industrial action in protest to relevant Agency’s and stakeholders on the kidnap of our colleague by Dr. Austin Umuragbe.

The communique observed that, the strike had effectively conveyed the association’s displeasure to the society at large, stressing that,  relevant security agencies and stakeholders had shown remarkable commitment to ensuring the safe release of their colleague.

“Following the intervention of the Medical Elders, the re-assurances from the Kogi State Government, the security Agency’s and most importantly the plight of our dear patients, the industrial action be suspended across the state at exactly 72hours from it commencement.

“The State Officers Council (SOC) of NMA Kogi should sustain engagement with all the relevant stakeholders to ensure the release of Dr. Austin Umuragbe. Also, periodic updates should be given to the congress to review the process and chart the way forward,” their communique stated. 

While appreciating the commitment of the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, towards the rescue of their colleague, the association also saluted the doggedness of security agencies in their efforts to rescue the kidnapped victim.