Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Benue State has directed all medical doctors working in Ukum local government area of Benue State to leave the area immediately for their safety.
The directive was sequel to last month’s kidnapping of their colleague Dr Asema Msuega who was kidnapped in the line of duty and has since been in captivity with his abductors.
The state chairman of the association, Dr Ushakuma Anenga who disclosed this in a statement explained that the withdrawal of their colleagues in Ukum LG is to express their sadness over the incessant kidnapping of their members in the area and as well to ensure their safety.
According to Anenga, “It has not been long that the Police in Benue State rescued one of our colleague Doctor Etito Obediah, who was kidnaped in the same LG, so instead of allowing our colleagues who are there to save lives to continue to suffer in the hands of these bandits it is better they leave the place for their safety.”
He said the decision was reached after extensive deliberation on the continued captivity of their colleague Dr Msuega during the association’s State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.
The NMA chairman confirmed that Msuega who was serving at the Sankera General Hospital was kidnapped on Sunday, 23rd July, 2023, on his way to supervise a state malaria initiative at a Primary Health Centre in the area.
Recall that Doctor Msuega was kidnapped a month after the chief medical director of Hope Hospital, Dr Obadiah was also kidnapped in the same area.
LEADERSHIP reports that apart from armed herders who are now coming occasionally to attack farmers and flee, the people in the area including farmers and businessmen have continue to suffer in the hands of local bandits which has now been extended to medical personnel.
