REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra State Branch, has suspended its planned industrial action following the successful rescue of its kidnapped member, Dr. Emegakor Edwin.
In a communiqué issued after an Emergency General Meeting the Association said it has shelved the strike in appreciation of the swift intervention by security agencies that led to the doctor’s freedom.
The NMA commended the Anambra State Government and the operatives of the Rapid Response and Anti-kidnap Squad, Awkuzu Unit of the Nigeria Police, for their prompt and courageous action.
The doctors also condoled with the family of a police officer who lost his life during the rescue operation, while offering to offset the medical bills of two other officers who sustained injuries in the fierce gun battle with the kidnappers.
The Association further appealed to the state government to tighten the security architecture across Anambra and threw its weight behind the growing call for the establishment of State Police and other measures aimed at securing lives and property in the state.
Dr. Emegakor Edwin, Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor, was abducted on Thursday, May 7, inside his hospital after attending to patients by unknown gunmen dressed in military and police uniforms.
The incident forced the NMA to issue a 48-hour ultimatum for his release.
According to the communiqué, signed by the state Chairman Doctor Princeton Okam and the Secretary Doctor Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the doctor was rescued unharmed on Sunday morning, May 11, at Obosi, alongside other victims.
The NMA expressed concern over the rising spate of insecurity in the state.
The doctors saluted the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the Commissioner designate for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for their intervention.
