Abia doctors plan strike if kidnapped colleague is not released

The Abia State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has given a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo. They want the immediate release of their member, Bonaventure Aguocha.

This ultimatum is part of a statement signed by NMA Chairman Ezenwa Ezuruike and Secretary Clement Ifenkoronye. They made this announcement after an emergency meeting held in Umuahia on Monday.

The NMA warned that if Mr Aguocha is not released, they will start a “total and indefinite strike” in the state from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2.

The meeting was called to discuss the ongoing captivity of the well-known orthopaedic surgeon. Mr Aguocha was kidnapped while coming back to Umuahia from Imo State on May 24.

The association praised Mr Aguocha as a teacher, mentor, and former chairman of Abia NMA. They said he has done “selfless services” for both Abia and Imo states.

They described this kidnapping as “one too many” in a series of attacks on medical workers. They mentioned the 2020 abduction of Uwadinachi Iweha, a former Chief Medical Director at Abia State University Teaching Hospital, which is still unresolved.

“Doctors have increasingly become targets of assaults, harassment, intimidation, and abduction by criminal elements, despite their commitment to providing quality healthcare under challenging conditions of poor motivation and remuneration,” the statement said.

The NMA called on the State Security Service, Inspector General of Police, and police commissioners in Abia and Imo to do more to secure Mr Aguocha’s release. They also urged the governors of both states to use all necessary resources to ensure his quick return.

The association asked the federal and state governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and caring Nigerians to work together for the doctor’s release.

They warned that if no action is taken within the time given, it would further damage healthcare workers’ trust in the government’s ability to keep them safe. This could negatively impact healthcare delivery in both states.

Abduction for ransom has become a common crime in many Nigerian cities. Victims can range from school children to religious leaders.

Earlier this year, doctors in Anambra and Edo states threatened industrial action to protest the kidnapping of their colleagues.