Abduction: Medical practitioners in Benue call on Gov, Stakeholders for action
By Bridget Ikyado
The Nigerian Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has called on Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue to intervene and facilitate the release of their colleagues, Dr Asema Msuega who was kidnapped in the state.
In a statement on Wednesday by the association, they also called on the representatives of the people in the National Assembly ensure the release of the victim.
“We, hereby, call on His Excellency, Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, and top politicians, especially those who hail from Ukum local government area, including the distinguished Sen. Emmanuel Udende representing Benue North East Senatorial Zone and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Paul Biam to swiftly intervene and ensure the immediate release of Dr Asema Msuega from the hands of his abductors.
“We equally seek the intervention of the Revered Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Orchiviligh HRM Prof James Ayatse to take decisive and immediate action that will lead to the release of our colleague and his subordinate,” they said.
The statement explained that Msuega, a dedicated and selfless medical doctor, was kidnapped on the July 23, 2023 in the line of duty.
According to the statement, Msuega was embarking on a malaria programme supervision at a Primary Health Center in Ukum local government area of Benue State when he was abducted.
The statement said that Msuega was the only doctor at General Hospital Sankera, where he devoted himself to the service of the people for several years.
The association said that his kidnap makes it the second abduction of a medical doctor in the past three months within our state.
“This pattern cannot be ignored, as it now seems like doctors, who have given their lives to the service of humanity, are being targeted for kidnap in the state.
“In solidarity with the NAGGMDP in Benue which has been on strike since this distressing incident occurred, we raise our unified voices to demand justice for Dr. Asema Msuega.
“We want to make it very clear that Dr Asema has spent 25 days in captivity and if this issue lingers unresolved, we will not in good conscience continue rendering our vital services while our colleague endures unimaginable suffering in the clutches of heartless kidnappers.
“We also urge the government to reinforce security measures around health facilities across the state, especially in areas that have become breeding grounds for heinous crimes.
“The safety of our health workers is not negotiable; it is a fundamental right that must be preserved at all costs, the association noted.
