The Cross River branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike, following the non-release of two medical personnel abducted over a week ago by gunmen.
NMA Chairman in the State, Dr Felix Archibong and secretary Dr Amaku Asuquo, during an interview with newsmen said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting held today (Monday).
The abductees are; Dr Joshua Omini, a staff with the General Hospital in Ugep, Yakurr LGA and Dr Ekpo Egong of the General Hospital, Calabar.
It was reported that the incident happened on November 18, 2022, along the Okomita-Uyanga axis of the Calabar Ikom highway.
The road has witnessed increasing numbers of kidnap as well as armed robbery attacks in the last two weeks. Nine motorists, including a white man, were kidnapped and taken into the Uyanga forests. However, security personnel rescued them soon after. Last Friday, seven others were similarly kidnapped.
The State Governor, Prof. Benedict Ayade, had called on the Federal Government to supply him with Tucano aircraft and more soldiers to comb the nearby Uyanga forests.
The Association said; “Members observed the deplorable state of the road especially from Okomita to Uyanga, all in Akamkpa local government area. This deplorable state of the road causes vehicular movement around that area to proceed at minimal speed, hence providing an advantage to these criminal elements to perpetuate their evil intentions.’’
“NMA in Cross River has therefore embarked on an indefinite strike from Monday, Nov. 21 2022 in solidarity with her members still in the hands of their abductors.’’
The Association called on the government to activate “all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our members in the hands of their abductors”.
They also urged the state government to “as a matter of urgency provides security checkpoints and patrol vehicles at the vulnerable areas of the road”.