HomeFeaturesNMA Decries Kidnap Of 74-Year-Old Doctor In Abia

NMA Decries Kidnap Of 74-Year-Old Doctor In Abia

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In response to the recent kidnap of one of their colleagues, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Abia State Government and security agencies to redouble their efforts in securing the release of Dr. Uwadinachi Iweha.

A statement on Monday by the association’s President, Dr Uche Ojinmah in Abuja, condemned the kidnap of the victim.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 74-year-old Iweha, a former Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Aba, was kidnapped in front of his house in Umuajameze Umuopara in Umuahia South Local Government Area (LGA) on June 6.

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Ojinmah urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to create a deliberate policy to prevent the kidnap of doctors, other healthcare workers and their families as a tool for reduction of the medical brain drain in Nigeria.

”We call on the kidnappers to search their conscience and see if it is right to keep in forced captivity an elder that has spent most of his life in the service of humanity.

”The Nigerian Medical Association is looking forward to receiving the news of the safe release of Dr Iweha.

”We shall not take kindly to anymore waste of scarce medical skills,” Ojinmah said.

The Abia State Government in response has also described the recent abduction of Professor Uwadinachi Iweha as barbaric and unfortunate.

In a special announcement, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo, said the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu “is particularly pained by this dastardly act given the age and fragility of health of this distinguished Abian”.

Prof Iweha, a 74-year-old fellow of International College of Surgeons was kidnapped a week ago at his country home in Umuajameze Umuopara in Umuahia South Local Government Area.

He had served the state as the Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital as well as the CMD of Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre.

Last Friday, the Nigeria Medical Association, Abia State led by its Chairman, Dr. Okwuonu staged a protest to the Government House, Umuahia, calling on Ikpeazu to help rescue Iweha.

In response, the commissioner said in a statement, “We identify with the Nigerian Medical Association, the family and other Stakeholders at this critical time and urge all Stakeholders to work quietly together at this stage towards guaranteeing the safety of Prof Uwadinachi Iweha and other citizens in the custody of these evil men.

“By the grace of God, as a responsive Government charged with the responsibility of Security and welfare of Abians everywhere, we are currently deploying all necessary measures and resources to secure the release of Prof Iweha.

“We, therefore, appeal to all citizens to remain calm and maintain the peace while we diligently do the needful”.

Meanwhile, following the kidnap and release of the Methodist Prelate, Kanu Uche, last week in Umunneochi axis of the state, and in furtherance of his determination to stamp out the menace of Kidnapping and killings by terrorists in and around the Umunneochi LGA, the governor has authorised the immediate constitution of a Special Security Situation Room for the Area.

According to Barr Chris Ezem, the Secretary to the State Government, this was “to give immediate effect to the decisions reached after his wide consultation with Stakeholders in the area”.

He added, “Members of this committee are to liaise with the Security Agencies and all other necessary institutions to provide succour to the citizens of our Dear State resident in Umunneochi and ensure proper monitoring and implementation of Government Directives in that regard”.

The 11-man committee has His Royal Majesty Eze Okechukwu Chukwuji as its Chairman, while Barr Eze Chikamnayo, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy is the Secretary.

The State Commissioner for Homeland Security is also a member of the committee.

 

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