Cross River State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, is calling “…for the immediate transfer of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command (Hafiz Inuwa) out of this State, due to the upsurge in kidnapping and violent crimes in the State.”
NMA’s position as reported is contained in an unsigned press release, believed to have been sent out by the umbrella body of medical doctors in the state after the suspected kidnap of one Emem Udoh of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health UCTH, Calabar. Udoh is believed to have been taken captive in the early hours of Tuesday, January 9, 2018 by unknown armed men and taken to an undisclosed destination. Her abductors, NMA says, made away with her vehicle, television set and mobile phones. Her eighteen (18) months old baby was fortunately left in the care of her little niece.
Additionally, the press release, “a follow up to the Communique of Monday 8th January, 2018 had stated that any further kidnap of a Doctor or his/her dependant, will result in the immediate and indefinite withdrawal of Medical Services from our members in both Private, Public and Institutional Hospitals in the State (University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, General Hospitals, Medical Centers, Mission Hospitals and Private Clinics/ Hospitals)”.
Accordingly, www.calitown.com can report that NMA is set ” to immediately withdraw all medical services in all Hospitals; Private and Public, from the hills of Obanliku to the creeks of Bakassi LGA” until Udoh is released. People who need medical attention were advised in the press release to seek such attention in neighbouring states. “The Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State for the avoidance of doubts cannot continue to safeguard the lives of others while ours is under constant threat by armed bandits and kidnappers”, NMA added.
Reacting swiftly, Police Public Relations Officer, CRS Command, Irene Ugbo, described the NMA’s call for the CP’s transfer as unfortunate, considering that “we are presently working together with the NMA and we will ensure that the victim is recovered safely. Let us concentrate on that and not dwell on the distractions of a press statement”, Ugbo told www.calitown.com
