A’Ibom Lockdown: How Policeman assaulted doctor amidst proper identification

…as doctors threaten strike action

 

An officer of the Nigeria Police Force identified as Sergeant Alexander Edidiong has reportedly assaulted the Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) Daniel David, who was headed for his official duty.

 

It is reliably gathered that the renowned medical practitioner was manhandled by the policeman amidst proper introduction of himself and presentation of his Identification Card.

 

The ugly incidence took place at about 5:45pm on Friday along Nung Oku Junction.

 

Narrating his ordeal, David said, “I was taking my wife to the hospital when we met a huge road block mounted in accordance with the lockdown order by the State Government. I was approached by a police officer who asked him to go back. I introduced myself and presented my ID but I wasn’t still allowed by the police officer to pass. Rather, the officer kept insisting that I go back and also began hitting my car with a stick.

“I alighted from the vehicle to protest and at that point the officer hit me with the same stick on the left forearm.”

 

Confirming the incidence via a release, Dr Ekemini Bassey, General Secretary, Association of Resident Doctor, UUTH, explained, “At about 5:45pm today, we received a distress call from our member, Dr Daniel David, the Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, that he had been assaulted by an officer of the Nigerian police force around Nung Oku junction (where the ring road ends in Aka Rd close to Champion Breweries)”

 

“On arriving the spot, we met a very rowdy scene. We immediately identified Dr Daniel, secured him and his wife who was with him.

 

“We got his side of the story which was thus: He was taking his wife to the hospital when they met a huge road block mounted in accordance with the lockdown order by the State Government. He was approached by a police officer who asked him to go back. He introduced himself and presented his ID but wasn’t still allowed by the police officer to pass. Rather, the officer kept insisting that he goes back and also began hitting his car with a stick. He alighted from the vehicle to protest and at that point the officer hit him with the same stick on the left forearm.”

 

Bassey, who was later joined by the NMA chairman, Dr Nyoyoko at the scene of the assault and further moved to the Police Station, C Division to register their unanimous anger against the wicked act, have called for the immediate prosecution of the officer.

 

He disclosed that Dr David is in Premier Hospital where X-ray and an orthopaedic review will be carried out on him.

 

The doctors have vowed to embark on strick if justice is not served on the matter.

 

Recall, indigenes and residents of the State, Friday morning, had called on the State Government to warn security operatives incharge of the implementation of the lockdown order in the State against harassment of persons in the course of their duty.