Medical Association Threatens Indefinite Strike In Benue State Over Abducted Doctor

Medical Association Threatens Indefinite Strike In Benue State Over Abducted Doctor

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) branch in Benue State has issued a warning of a potential indefinite strike in the region, prompted by the abduction of a medical doctor by unidentified gunmen in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Dr. Asema Msuega, stationed at General Hospital Sankera, Zaki Biam, was kidnapped alongside another healthcare worker on July 23, 2023, while en route to oversee a malaria control program at a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ukum LGA.

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Expressing concern about Dr. Msuega’s prolonged absence, the NMA released a statement on Wednesday in Makurdi, signed by its State Chairman, Dr. Ushakuma Anenga; Secretary, Dr. Ameh Godwin; and Public Relations Officer, Dr. Mark Ogbodo.

The statement lamented that this abduction marked the second of such incidents in the state over the past three months.

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The NMA highlighted the emerging pattern, suggesting that doctors, dedicated to serving the community, appear to be targeted for kidnappings in the region.

The association’s statement included a plea to several prominent figures for intervention, including Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, politicians from Ukum LGA such as Senator Emmanuel Udende representing Benue North East Senatorial Zone, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Paul Biam.

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The revered Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Orchiviligh HRM Prof. James Ayatse, was also called upon to take immediate action for the release of the abducted doctor and his colleague.

The NMA’s solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) in Benue state, which has been on strike since the incident occurred, underlined their determination to secure justice for Dr. Asema Msuega.

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The NMA emphasized that Dr. Asema has been in captivity for 25 days and made it clear that if the issue is not resolved promptly, they will not continue to provide essential services while their colleague remains in the hands of heartless kidnappers.

Additionally, the NMA urged the government to enhance security measures around healthcare facilities, particularly in regions susceptible to serious crimes. The safety of healthcare workers, they asserted, is a fundamental right that must be prioritized regardless of the circumstances.