TheCable

Peter Odey, deputy governor of Cross River, has assured members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state of the government’s commitment to securing the release of Ekanem Ephraim.

On Thursday, Ephraim, a medical doctor with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), was abducted by gunmen at her residence.

Felix Archibong, chairman of  NMA in the state, had said the kidnappers disguised as patients to gain access to the doctor’s residence.

He said abductors also reached out to her family to demand a ransom.

In a communique after an emergency general meeting (EGM) of the NMA in Calabar on Sunday, Archibong said the association has resolved to embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services effective immediately to protest the abduction.

Speaking on Tuesday when a delegation from the NMA paid him a courtesy visit, the deputy governor pleaded with the doctors to have some patience as the government is exerting every effort to ensure the safe return of the abducted doctor.

“Security holds a prominent position in this administration’s agenda, as highlighted in the governor’s inaugural address and we intend to keep that promise,” NAN quoted him as saying.

On his part, Archibong appreciated the government’s prompt response to the association’s call for the rescue of the kidnapped doctor.

He expressed worry that it had been over 96 hours since the doctor was abducted and appealed to the government to expedite action to secure her release.

In his remarks, Everest Okoro, commander of 13th brigade, Nigerian army, appealed to the doctors to reconsider their plan to withdraw their services.