MORE knocks have trailed the kidnap of Dr. Philip Ugbodaga and two other medical workers in Isu Local Council of Imo State.

The Guardian had reported on Monday that two doctors were abducted with the former chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). Further information, however, indicated yesterday that the other two people were medical workers in his team heading for a medical outreach in the council.

Yesterday, the lawmaker representing Ugbodaga’s local council of origin, Akoko-Edo II in the state’s House of Assembly, Emmanuel Agbaje while deploring the action, expressed “shock and sadness over the incident.

“I want to personally appeal to the kidnappers to kindly consider his immediate and unconditional release,” he said.

He wondered why a man like Ugbodaga, whom he described as an “advocator of the rights of the oppressed and a philanthropic healthcare provider could be a victim.”

Also, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has expressed its consternation.

In a statement, its Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, noted that the incidence of abduction and kidnap of prominent and well-meaning Nigerians “is suddenly becoming the order of the day. We are at a loss at why a humane and peace-loving individual in the person of Dr. Ugbodaga should be victim of a specter that is quickly becoming a societal menace. We are worried that if urgent action is not taken to stem this tide, it will become an ill-wind that will not blow anyone in Nigeria well.

“ANEEJ therefore urges Dr. Ugbodaga’s kidnappers to release him unconditionally. He was involved in a humanitarian cause for which he should not be rewarded with something as harrowing as being abducted. The Police High Command must wade into this incident and bring Dr. Ugbodaga back to his family and friends safely,” Ugolor said.