Anambra Doctors Threaten Strike Over Abduction of Colleague
Doctors in Anambra State, under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, have issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the immediate release of Dr. Steven Ezeh, who was abducted by unknown assailants.
Following an emergency meeting on Monday, the NMA announced that if Dr. Ezeh is not released within the given timeframe, they will withdraw their services across the state. Dr. Ezeh, a private practitioner and Managing Director of Vera Clinic in Ihiala, was kidnapped on August 15 at his residence in Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala Local Government Area.
In a communiqué signed by the NMA’s chairman, Dr. Princeton Okam, and secretary, Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the association condemned the increasing cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the state. They urged the government and security agencies to take immediate action to address the situation.
The statement detailed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦40 million, later reducing it to ₦30 million. The NMA has given the Anambra State Government 48 hours to secure Dr. Ezeh’s release, warning that all doctors in the state will go on strike if their colleague is not freed by then. An emergency meeting will be held within the next 48 hours to assess any progress made.
The association also expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his administration’s efforts to improve the health sector. However, they urged the government to implement urgent measures to combat the growing insecurity in the state. Meanwhile, they encouraged their members to continue providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to the people of Anambra.
