Doctors Protest At Abia Govt House, Threaten To Stop Work Over Kidnap Of Their Colleague

Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Abia state, on Friday, staged a protest to the state government house in Umuahia, demanding the release of their colleague.

The doctors embarked on a peaceful protest in solidarity with their colleague, a senior medical doctor, Prof. Uwadinachi Iweha.

Dr. Iweha was kidnapped on Sunday, June 6, 2022 in front of his house at Umuajameze, Ezeleke Umuokpara, in Umuahia south LGA of the state.

The doctor was whisked away alongside his dark blue Toyota Highlander.

The protesters led by Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu described the kidnap of one of them as traumatic and affecting their job of saving life as their safety can no longer be guaranteed.

They warned that they may be forced to down their tools if their colleague is not released within 48 hours.

They called on governor Okezie Ikpeazu whom they expressed confidence on, to ensure that their colleague is released.

“This is traumatic, depressing and has instilled a lot of fear in the medical community” they lamented.

The doctors demands include; the release of Dr. Iweha from captivity of kidnappers; federal and state government should put in measures to forestall occurrence of similar events in the future.

The protesters bore placards with inscriptions like; ” release kidnapped doctor; Abia state doctors deserve good security; Dr Iweh should be released to his family; we say no to kidnapping,etc.

Responding to the doctors, governor Okezie Ikpeazu represented by his Chief of staff, Chief Okey Ahiwe, lauded the doctors for their peaceful conduct, assuring that the government will not rest until the doctor is released.