Cross River doctors go on strike in protest over kidnap of members

The Cross River branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) began an indefinite strike on Monday in protest over the kidnapping of one of its members on November 18.

Dr. Joshua Omini of the General Hospital in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River, and Dr. Ekpo Egong of the General Hospital in Calabar were the medical professionals that were abducted.

Following an urgent meeting in Calabar on Monday, the NMA declared the strike in a statement jointly signed by its state chairman, Dr. Felix Archibong, and the secretary, Dr. Amaku Asuquo.

According to the communiqué, the medical professionals were abducted on the Calabar Ikom highway’s Ekomita-Uyanga axis.

VERIFICATION: Did the PDP want Okowa’s resignation as Atiku’s running mate?

The group claimed that despite a kidnapping that had been previously reported on November 15, its members were shocked to see no security officers, patrols, or checkpoints on the aforementioned stretch of road.

“Members saw the terrible condition of the road, particularly between Okomita and Uyanga, all in the Akamkpa Local Government Area.

“Due to the poor condition of the road, vehicles can only drive through that region at a slow rate, which helps the criminal elements there continue their bad deeds.

In support of her members who are still in the custody of their kidnappers, the NMA in Cross River has declared an indefinite strike starting on Monday, November 21, 2022.

“The government should make use of all available resources to guarantee the prompt and unconditional return of our members into the custody of their kidnappers.

The body recommended that the state government urgently install security checkpoints and patrol cars in high-risk regions of the road.

The NMA urged the state government to rapidly complete road repairs on the damaged section of the route, which slows down traffic and encourages simple attacks by criminals and kidnappers.

The group encouraged the state’s governor, Ben Ayade, to put all necessary safeguards in place to guarantee that the abduction threat was eliminated before the holiday season.