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Anambra State’s medical fraternity is up in arms, seeking the immediate and safe return of their abducted colleague, Dr. Steven Ezeh. The Nigerian Medical Association’s local chapter is advocating for Ezeh’s unconditional release, following his mysterious kidnapping by unknown individuals.
The Nigerian Medical Association’s Anambra Branch took swift action on Monday, holding an emergency meeting to address Dr. Steven Ezeh’s kidnapping.
The association has given a 48-hour ultimatum for his release, warning that a failure to comply will lead to a statewide withdrawal of medical services, further jeopardizing public health.
Dr. Steven Ezeh, a private medical practitioner based in Ihiala, was taken from his home in Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala, within the Ihiala Local Government Area, on August 15, in a brazen abduction that has left the community reeling.
NMA in a communique signed by Dr Princeton Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi,
chairman and secretary, respectively, condemned the rising spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the state. It called on the government and security agencies to arrest the situation.
Read also: Anambra Doctors Threaten Strike Over Unpaid Entitlements
According to the doctors: “Our colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh, was kidnapped in front of his residence at Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala, on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Dr Stephen Eze is a private practitioner and Managing Director of Vera Clinic Ihiala.
“The kidnappers have requested 40 million ransom at first and subsequently 30 millions in the last 24 hours. A 48-hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra State Government to secure the immediate release of Dr Ezeh.
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“If at the expiration of the above timeline, our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA-Anambra will down tools until our member is released. An emergency meeting will be convened within the next 48 hours to review the progress made so far.”
The association appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the effort of his administration towards repositioning the health sector while appealing that urgent measures be put in place to tackle the menace of insecurity and other challenges in the state.
Even as they advocate for Dr. Ezeh’s release, the Nigerian Medical Association’s Anambra Branch is urging its members to continue their tireless efforts to deliver quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services to the people of Anambra State, upholding the highest standards of medical care.
