Showing solidarity, doctors in Anambra State, operating under the umbrella of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of their colleague, Dr. Steven Ezeh, who was forcefully taken by unknown individuals.
Unveiling their stance, the NMA conducted an emergency general meeting where they issued a stern 48-hour ultimatum for Ezeh’s release; warning that they would suspend their medical services across the entire state if the ultimatum is not met.
Dr. Ezeh, a prominent practitioner based in Ihiala, was kidnapped at his residence in Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala, Ihiala Local Government Area on August 15.
Expressing their concerns, the NMA, in a communique endorsed by Dr. Princeton Okam and Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, who serve as chairman and secretary respectively, decried the escalating incidents of kidnapping and general insecurity within the state. They urged the government and security forces to swiftly address the situation.
The doctors stated, “Our colleague, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, was abducted in front of his home at Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala, on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Dr. Stephen Eze is a private practitioner and the Managing Director of Vera Clinic Ihiala.”
“Initially, the abductors demanded a ransom of 40 million, which was subsequently reduced to 30 million within the last 24 hours. In response, a strict 48-hour ultimatum has been set for the Anambra State Government to secure the immediate release of Dr. Ezeh.”
“Should our colleague not regain freedom within the stipulated time frame, all doctors in Anambra State affiliated with the NMA-Anambra will cease all operations until Dr. Ezeh is liberated. An emergency gathering will be organized within the next 48 hours to reassess the progress made thus far.”
The association commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his administration’s initiatives aimed at enhancing the healthcare sector while appealing for urgent measures to combat the prevalent issues of insecurity and other challenges in the state.
Furthermore, the association urged its members to persist in delivering top-notch, cost-effective, and easily accessible healthcare services to the state’s populace.