10 doctors kidnapped within 2 months in Enugu – NMA

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State branch, says more than 10 doctors were victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes in less than two months in Enugu State.
This is contained in a communiqué issued on Friday in Enugu at the end of an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of the NMA, Enugu State branch, held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.

The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman of NMA Enugu State, Dr Celestine Ugwoke, and the General Secretary, Dr Sunday Okafor.

The statement said that the EGM equally observed that a situation in which more than 10 doctors were victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes in less than two months is a dangerous trend unprecedented in the annals of Enugu State.
The communique, which has been copied to various government offices and security agencies, noted that the recent development called for a serious concern, drastic and decisive action(s).

According to the statement, the EGM is well aware of the general insecurity in the country and painfully observed the spate of kidnappings in the state, most of which Medical and Dental Practitioners have unfortunately been worst hit.
It said that the EGM regrettably observed that there is very minimal and in some cases no presence of strong security formations in most of our public hospitals as well as dwindling presence of armed patrol teams at critical times and in most areas of the state.
The statement noted that the porous security arrangement had made the criminal elements more emboldened to operate with ease, and in the process maiming the livelihoods of our members and fellow citizens.

“The EGM further observed that the rising insecurity in the state is becoming an added burden to the already-stretched healthcare facilities available in Enugu State and the safety of our patriotic doctors, who should care for the victims of these violent crimes, is no longer guaranteed which is very worrisome.
“The EGM, while noting the efforts and commitment of the State Government in the area of security infrastructure, observed the gross inadequacy of the necessary security architecture and installations required to safeguard a vast and strategic state like Enugu State with its peculiarity as the capital of the old Eastern Region of Nigeria.