Anxiety trails abduction of doctor in Anambra as NMA threatens shutdown

The Anambra State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of their member, Dr Steven Ezeh, who was abducted by unknown gunmen in the state.

The NMA, in a communique signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, condemned the rising spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the state.
They called on the government and security agencies to arrest the situation.

The NMA took the stand after an emergency general meeting, where they issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the release of Ezeh, threatening to withdraw their services across the state if he is not freed.

The doctors said: “Our colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh, was kidnapped in front of his residence at Umunnamehi village on Thursday, August 15. The kidnappers have requested N40 million ransom at first and subsequently N30 million in the last 24 hours. A 48-hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra State government to secure the immediate release of Dr Ezeh.

“If at the expiration of the above timeline, our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA-Anambra will down tools.”