COVID-19 Lockdown: Kaduna NMA Raises Alarm Over Attacks On Doctors By Security Agencies

BY AMOS TAUNA, ABUJA – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State chapter has warned that its members would have no option than to withdraw their services in the state during the COVID-19 lockdown if steps are not taken to safeguard them from unnecessary harassment from security agencies in the state.

The NMA specifically expressed dismay with incidents of harassment of doctors and other healthcare professionals by men of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies across the country during the COVID-19 lockdown.

State Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, Dr Kache Stephen Akau stated the position of the Doctors in a statement, stressing that the incidences of harassment of doctors and other health care professionals by men of the Nigeria Police Force and other security operatives across the country during these very trying times are seriously worrisome and despicable.

Akau said that the development is in spite of the fact that healthcare workers continue to put themselves in difficult situations to ensure that the Covid-19 pandemic is contained and the citizenry protected.

In the words of Akau; “Since the onset of this pandemic, over 40 healthcare professionals within the country have been infected by the dreaded virus in the line of their duty. 

“On 23rd April, 2020 one inspector Simon Achadu of Kakuri Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Kaduna, assaulted a Doctor, who was on legitimate duty and who identified himself properly but sustained bruises from the hand of the police for which he is receiving treatment. 

“Failure to appropriately sanction the officer will leave us with no choice but to recall our members from offering any kind of service within the state.”

The chairman noted that the unfortunate incident is not the first, adding that two weeks ago, an ambulance of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, conveying doctors and other healthcare workers was assaulted by men of the Nigerian Police Force.  

“We condemn in very strong terms this barbaric attack on our members who incidentally have been in the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 in the state.

“We are aware that the said Inspector has been arrested and is currently in custody. We call on the state government and the Police hierarchy to look into the issue with the view of meting out appropriate sanction to the erring officer to serve as a deterrent to others, who will unfortunately hope to follow in his footsteps. 

“He should also undergo a psychiatric evaluation to ascertain his fitness to serve in the Nigerian police force,” NMA said.