Doctors shut down services in Akwa Ibom over kidnap of colleague

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has halted medical services across all government and private hospitals in Akwa Ibom State due to the continued incarceration of their member who was kidnapped for over two weeks.

gunmen had on April 30, 2024, abducted a senior member of the doctors’ association, Dr John Esu at Oron local government area.

Dr Esu’s prolonged captivity has forced the angry medics to stop work, describing the development as the insensitivity of government and security agencies towards the safety of lives and properties of the people, including medical workers.

NMA State Chairman, Prof. Emem Abraham said it has become necessary to enforce the strike to draw the attention of the government and security agencies to the plights of medical workers.

Abraham ordered all members including consultants to the state government and privately owned hospitals to withdraw their services saying the action would be reviewed after 72 hours.

“The NMA, Akwa Ibom State has resolved to withdraw services from all government and private hospitals in sympathy with our member who had been in captivity for over 15 days. The withdrawal of services takes immediate effect and shall be reviewed after 72 hours.

“The entire members of our association have been psychologically traumatised by this unfortunate situation, and are not in any good frame of mind to continue serving the public, while Dr. John Esu remains in the kidnappers’ den.”