- NMA demands immediate transfer of CP
By Inyali Peter, Calabar
Unknown gunmen struck again in Cross River, kidnapping a Medical Doctor, Emem Moses Udoh, three days after the release of a Doctor kidnapped few days ago.
Expressing anger over the rising insecurity of medical doctors in the state, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State branch, called on the Inspector General of Police to urgently transfer the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hafiz Inuwa, over the upsurge of crime rates in the State.
In a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Ernest Ochang, the NMA declared indefinite withdrawal of services from both private and public hospitals in the state until the unconditional release of their member.
The NMA accused security organisations in the State of being helpless or complicit in what they described as “kidnapping racketeering in Cross River State”.
The statement read in part: “It surprisingly will appear at this point, that the various security organisations in the State are either helpless or are complicit in this kidnapping racketeering in Cross River State or how else will one explain the fact that a Doctor is kidnapped just within three days of the release of another by kidnappers and the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are never identified and arrested.
“From the foregoing, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Cross River State Branch, therefore, resolves as follows: Members are to immediately withdraw all medical services in all Hospitals; Private and Public, from the hills of Obanliku to the creeks of Bakassi LGA, until our colleague is released to us, SAFELY without any conditions.
“We call for the immediate transfer of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command out of this State, due to the upsurge in kidnapping and violent crimes in the State”.
The association frowned that “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”
Udoh lamented: “You will recall that four days ago, the NMA Cross River State Branch called a press conference in respect of the kidnap of a Doctor in Akamkpa Local Government Area and we raised concerns that this kidnapping seemed to be targeted at Doctors living in the State.
“We are sad to inform you that another of our member, Dr. Emem Moses Udoh of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health UCTH, Calabar, has been taken captive in the early hours of Tuesday, 9th January, 2018, by unknown armed men to an undisclosed destination. Her property including; Vehicle, TV set and mobile phones were forcefully taken along with her, leaving behind her 18 months old baby in the care of her little niece living with her”.
The NMA accordingly called on “the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to as a matter of urgency send a carefully selected Crack Team of Specially Trained Officers to save the lives of law abiding citizens of Cross River from the onslaught of these kidnappers”.
While appealing to the state legislature to pass a law prescribing Capital Punishment for those convicted of kidnapping, the association called on Governor Ben Ayade and President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped doctor.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the incident said the Police is making efforts to ensure the safe release of the victim.
“Yes, it’s confirmed that she was kidnapped. We’re making efforts to ensure her safe release,” she said.
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