The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Benue State chapter, has appealed for the release of one of its members, Asema Msuega, who was kidnapped in July.
 
In a statement, yesterday, jointly signed by the state chairman, Dr. Ushakuma Anenga; Secretary, Dr. Ameh Godwin; and Public Relations Officer, Dr. Mark Ogbodo, the body appealed to the government and top political office holders in the state to assist in the release of the abducted medical doctor.
  
The doctors lamented that their colleague was a dedicated and selfless medical personnel, who was kidnapped on July 23, while on a malaria programme supervision at a Primary Health Centre in Ukum Local Council of Benue State.
 
The statement further noted that Asema was the only doctor at the General Hospital, Sankera, where he devoted himself to the service of the people for several years. They pointed out that his abduction was the second of such in the last three months within the state.
 
“We hereby call on the governor, Rev Fr Dr. Hyacinth Alia, and top politicians, especially those who hail from Ukum local government area, including the distinguished Senator Emmanuel Udende representing Benue North East Senatorial Zone, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Paul Biam, to swiftly intervene and ensure the immediate release of Dr Msuega from the hands of his abductors. We equally seek the intervention of the revered Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Orchiviligh HRM, Prof. James Ayatse, to take decisive and immediate action that would lead to the release of our colleague.
 
“In solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), Benue State, which has been on strike since this distressing incident occurred, we raise our unified voices to demand justice for Dr Msuega.
  
“We want to make it very clear that Dr Asema has spent 25 days in captivity and if this issue lingers unresolved, we will not in good conscience, continue rendering our vital services, while our colleague endures unimaginable suffering in the clutches of heartless kidnappers,” they said.
 
The doctors also urged the government to reinforce security measures around health facilities across the state, especially in volatile and high risk areas, to safeguard health workers, as their safety is a fundamental right that is non-negotiable.