The kidnapped medical practitioners were Dr. Joshua Omini, a staff member of General Hospital in Ugep community, Yakurr Local Government Area of the state, and Dr. Ekpo Egong of General Hospital, Calabar.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State chapter, on Monday, embarked on an indefinite strike over the kidnap of its members on November 18.
The kidnapped medical practitioners were Dr. Joshua Omini, a staff member of General Hospital in Ugep community, Yakurr Local Government Area of the state, and Dr. Ekpo Egong of General Hospital, Calabar.
The medical association in a communiqué jointly signed by its state Chairman, Dr. Felix Archibong, and the Secretary, Dr. Amaku Asuquo, after an emergency meeting in Calabar, the state capital, announced the strike on Monday.
The medical doctors were kidnapped on the Calabar-Ikom highway's Ekomita-Uyanga axis, according to the communiqué.
Despite a previous reported case of kidnapping on November 15, the association's members were dismayed to see lack of security personnel, patrols, or checkpoints on the said stretch of road.
“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 State has embarked on an indefinite strike from Monday, November 21, 2022, in solidarity with its members still in the hands of their abductors.
“The government should activate all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our members in the hands of their abductors.
“The state government should as a matter of urgency provide security checkpoints and patrol vehicles at vulnerable areas of the road,” the body said.
The NMA also urged the state government to expedite repairs to the damaged section of road, which slows vehicle traffic and encourages simple attacks by hoodlums and abductors.
The group encouraged state Governor Ben Ayade to deploy all required processes to guarantee that the threat of kidnapping was averted before the Yuletide season.
“NMA in Cross River is not oblivious of the hardship its strike will have on the good people of Cross River.
”However, we appeal to all the relevant security agencies to ensure a timely release of our abducted colleagues,” the association said.