Security agencies have been given 72 hours by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Kogi State Chapter, to recover one of its members, Dr Austin Uwumagbe, who was kidnapped on Tuesday.
Dr. Uwumagbe was reportedly kidnapped shortly after leaving his hospital, Victory Hospital-Annex, in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area, on Tuesday night about half past eight, after unknown gunmen arrived and drove him away.
During a news conference in Lokoja on Friday, the Association’s Chairman, Dr Baoku Olusola, underlined the union’s worry. He claimed that if security forces are unable to rescue Dr. Uwumagbe, the association will go on indefinite strike beginning Monday.
Dr. Olusola strongly criticised the abduction of medical staff who were kidnapped shortly after attending a delivery case.
He explained that the unidentified gunmen pushed the doctor into his car at his facility, which is located across the street from FCE Okene, after he had attended to a labour case after 8 p.m.
The issue has created distress and concern among the whole body of doctors in the state, as well as the doctor’s family and staff.
Dr. Olusola urged Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, President Ahmed Tinubu, acting Inspector General of Police Mr Kayode Egbetokun, and other security officials to take immediate steps to secure the doctor’s unconditional release.
He added, “Many of our colleagues have travelled out of the country for safety and better opportunities, and those of us who decided to remain—the community we care for now sees it as a threat.”