The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called off its strike in Kogi State after receiving guarantees from the state administration and security forces that their abducted colleague, Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, will be freed.
A statement that was released on Thursday and jointly signed by the secretary and chairman of the Kogi State NMA following an emergency congress of the association stated that the 72-hour strike would be suspended.
In order to protest the ongoing kidnapping of doctors throughout the state, the body shut down both private and public health facilities.
The Emergency Congress was called, according to the communiqué, to assess the industrial action in protest to the appropriate Agencies and stakeholders over the kidnapping of Dr. Austin Umuragbe.
The statement stressed that key security services and stakeholders have demonstrated a remarkable dedication to achieving the doctor’s safe release, noting that the strike had successfully expressed the association’s displeasure to the public at large.
The communique states, in part, “Following the intervention of the Medical Elders, the reassurances from the Kogi State Government, the security Agency’s and most importantly, the plight of our dear Patients, the industrial action will be suspended throughout the state at exactly 72 hours from its beginning.
“The State Officers Council (SOC) of NMA Kogi should continue to work with all the pertinent stakeholders to secure Dr. Austin Umuragbe’s release. Additionally, regular reports should be provided to the Congress so they may assess the procedure and map out the next steps.
The union praised the persistence of security authorities in their attempts to free the abducted victim while also praising the dedication of Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to the release of their comrade.
NMA, however, expressed hope that Governor Bello, who has been recognised for his accomplishment and received numerous awards for protecting Kogi natives, will use his good offices to swiftly transport Dr. Austin Umuragbe to his family in a secure environment.
“The Governor should once more demonstrate his abilities, as he has done time and time again, via his accomplishments in safeguarding people’s lives and property in Kogi State. As it’s crucial to create an environment that supports good health-care delivery, we want the general public to know that we love and care about them. Additionally, we offer our condolences to the family of our colleague who was kidnapped and pray for his safe return.
Remember that last week, suspected kidnappers shot and killed Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, the director of Victory Hospital-Annex in Ogaminana, Kogi State’s Adavi Local Government Area.
