The Anambra State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has given the state government a 48-hour deadline to secure the release of their kidnapped colleague, Dr. Steven Ezeh.
Dr. Ezeh, a private practitioner, was abducted on August 15 in front of his home in Umunnamehi village, Ihiala County. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N40 million ($25,160) but later reduced it to N30 million ($18,870).
Following an emergency meeting on Monday, the NMA resolved that all doctors in Anambra State will withdraw their services if Dr. Ezeh is not released within 48 hours.
“A 48-hour ultimatum is hereby given to Anambra State Government to secure the immediate release of Dr. Ezeh,” stated Dr. Princeston Okam, Chairman of the NMA Anambra Branch. “If at the expiration of the above timeline, our member’s release is not secured, all doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA-Anambra will down tools until our member is released.”
The NMA also condemned the growing insecurity and wave of kidnappings in the state and urged the government and security agencies to take immediate action.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
