By Usman Aliyu
The Edo branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), says that the ongoing strike by doctors across the state will continue until their abducted colleague is released unhurt.
In statement, jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Eustace Oseghale, and the Secretary, Dr Iluobe Inegbenosun, on Wednesday in Benin, the association said the decision was informed by the worsening security situation in state.
It expressed dismay over the continued captivity of Abu Babatunde, a medical doctor kidnapped in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area since Jan. 1.
The union said medical services would remain withdrawn until there was concrete assurance of the safety of its member.
The medical association expressed strong disapproval of the prevailing insecurity in the state, noting that the protection of lives and property must be treated as a priority.
The decision to sustain the strike, it said, followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders, adding that the action would remain indefinite until the abducted doctor was safely released.
“Our member who was abducted in Auchi must be released unhurt. Until this is achieved, the ongoing strike will continue,” the union insisted.
The NMA called on Gov. Monday Okpebholo to urgently restructure the state’s security framework to address the rising cases of kidnapping and violent crime.
The proposed security overhaul, it said, should include the integration of local vigilance groups with proper monitoring and assessment mechanisms to improve security response across communities.
It also condemned what he described as intimidation of doctors, warning that such actions could escalate the crisis rather than resolve it.
The association urged the state government to demonstrate urgent commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property.
It warned that private medical practitioners might join the strike if the abducted doctor was not released and security concerns were not promptly addressed. (NAN)