By Abasi Ita, Calabar
The Cross River Council of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA has implored Governor Bassey Otu to mobilise security formations in the state to ensure the speedy rescue of its member kidnapped last night in Calabar.
State Chairman of NMA, Dr Felix Archibong stated this while reacting to the abduction of a consultant neurologist with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, Prof.Ekanem Ephraim expressed dismay at the abductions of medical practitioners in Cross River in recent times.
According to him, “It’s disheartening to observe that despite the humanitarian services we offer which is vital to preserving lives, our lives are now at risk owing to constant harassment and outright kidnappings by unknown gunmen.”
“We want to appeal to Governor Bassey Otu to mobilise the various security formations in the state to ensure speedy rescue efforts needed to guarantee the unconditional release of our senior colleague and consultant.”
The renowned professor of neurologist was whisked away from her medical facility located along Atimbo in the Calabar metropolis in the wee hours of yesterday.
An eye witness told Summit Post News that the kidnappers had arrived at the clinic posing as patients desperately in need of medical attention.
According to the source, “They insisted on seeing Prof and immediately she came out to attend to them, they brought out guns, ordered her into their car, and zoomed off. Before leaving, the gunmen dispossessed security guards and other onlookers around the facility of their phones to stop them from calling the police for prompt action.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Irene Ugbo said the Command is diligently addressing the case, assuring that there is no cause for alarm.
“The command has promptly initiated a tactical operation to track down the perpetrators responsible for this reprehensible act. We are resolute in our pursuit of the kidnappers is ongoing. Let the public be rest assured, we will bring them to justice.”