Abduction: We’ll Ensure Prof Ekanem’s Freedom – CRSG Assures

• NMA threatens strike over member’s kidnap

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Cross River State Government (CRSG) has reassured the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure its member, Professor Ekanen Philip-Ephraim, regains freedom from her abductors.

The State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave assurance in Calabar, the State capital, saying the Governor and all security agencies are unwavering in their resolve to free Prof Philip-Ephraim unhurt from captivity.

The Deputy Governor, who was responding to the concerns raised by the NMA members in their meeting with the State Government, however pleaded for patience, assuring them that no effort would be spared to ensure the victim returns home safely to her family and loved ones.

While acknowledging the pain and psychological trauma experienced by the doctor’s family and friends since the news of her kidnap filtered into public space, Odey maintained that security of lives and property remain top priority in the administration’s agenda, as highlighted in the Governor’s inaugural address.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Cross River State Chapter of NMA, Dr Felix Archibong, who led the team, appreciated the State government for its prompt response to the association’s deep concern over their colleague’s abduction.

Dr Archibong expressed worry that the doctor was still missing days after being kidnapped, appealed to the government and all relevant security agencies to expedite action in securing the release of Prof. Ekanem.

Meanwhile, Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Everest I. Okoro, has pleaded with the doctors to reconsider their decision to proceed on an indefinite strike.

He said since the Association has already acknowledged the government’s proactive approach to security, the strike action should be put on hold as not to embolden criminals and make doctors vulnerable targets in the future.

A statement by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Fred Abua, said in attendance at the meeting were the Commissioner of Police, CP Gyonon Grimah, Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr John Sokoya; and the State Security Adviser, Maj-General Okoi Ubi Obono (rtd).

The State NMA chapter had on Sunday, July 16, 2023, rose from an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) in Calabar, announcing their members decision to embark on a total and indefinite strike over the Prof’s abduction.

Philip-Ephraim, a medical practitioner with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), was kidnapped from her Calabar residence by armed men who pretended to be patients at about 7.30 p.m on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

A communique issued by the Association resolved as follows: “To embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services effective immediately in solidarity with our member still in the hands of her abductors;

“This withdrawal of medical service will involve all hospitals in the state both federal, state, private and Mission;

“The State government should activate all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our member in the hands of her abductors”.

Noting that it was not oblivious of the hardship its withdrawal of services would have on the citizens, the NMA chapter tasked relevant security agencies to step up efforts at timely release of its abducted member.