NMA condemns kidnapping of doctor at Cross River Assembly

On Tuesday, members of the Nigerian Medical Association protested Dr. Ekanem Ephraim’s kidnapping by marching to the Cross River House of Assembly.

The doctors, who showed up in great numbers, carried signs that read things like “Make Cross River Safe Again,” and “Set Cross River Free From The Stranglehold of Kidnappers.”

According to News Agency of Nigeria, on Thursday, July 13, armed men posing as patients kidnapped Ephraim from her home.

Dr. Felix Archibong, the chairman of the NMA’s Cross River Chapter, said during a speech at the assembly complex that doctors in the state were now too terrified to carry out their regular duties.

According to Archibong, medical professionals in the state are now always aware of their surroundings out of concern for potential kidnapping.

“We are sick of staging protests every time one of our members is taken hostage, only for another doctor to be targeted and selected once the first incident has been resolved.

“Our member has been in the kidnappers’ den for 19 days now; we have given the state administration ample time and patience.

“Is it illegal for doctors to work in Cross River? Do they desire that we depart the state?

“We need to do something drastic,” he said, noting that kidnappers had targeted doctors in recent years.

The House Speaker responded by pleading with the medical professionals to remain composed.

Ayambem expressed sadness that the doctor’s kidnapping occurred at a period when criminal elements were given amnesty so they could start over.

After six months, he warned, if the criminals had not changed, they would face the full force of the law.

“I am speaking as the state’s head of the legislature, but there is only so much I can do in that capacity. Let’s hear from the governor, who is the head of the executive branch.