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Wevole Ezin, Calabar.
The Nigeria Medical Association(NMA), Cross River chapter are protesting over the abduction of Prof. Ekanem Philip- Ephraim who has been in captivity for the past 19 days.
She was abducted by unknown gunmen on July, 13, 2023 at her Clinic in Atimbo, close to Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministries in Calabar while attending to a patient.
NMA has down tool in all the hospitals across the state.
In a peaceful protest despite the heavy down pour this morning in Calabar, the aggrieved doctors took to the streets, carrying placards with different inscriptions such as; “set Cross River State free from stranglehold of kidnapers, Free all persons held captive by kidnappers”, ” make Cross River safe again, ensure Cross River is delisted from the united states’ travel advisory” “Cross River State cannot remain a ghost town.”
Leading the Protest, the NMA Chairman, Dr. Felix Archibong, said the protest was to remind the state governor and the Cross River State House of Assembly that doctors have been sick since the kidnapped of their colleague, to that effect, they cannot treat patients.
He called for security action for unconditional release of their colleague.
He said,” As you are aware, our esteemed colleague, Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, was tragically kidnapped eighteen days ago. Despite continuous efforts, we have yet to witness her safe return. This unfortunate incident has deeply shaken the medical community, and we stand in solidarity with her family in this distressing time.
“The Nigerian Medical Association Cross River State Chapter is holding a peaceful protest today and we request for your support in ensuring the safety and security of all participants during this demonstration. We also demand for a swift action in ensuring the release of our kidnapped colleague – Prof Ekanem Philip-Ephraim.
“Furthermore, we urge you to request for the deployment of a crack team from the Inspector General of Police to provide immediate solution to the menace of kidnapping in our state. A robust security outfit similar to Operation Akpakwu to strengthen efforts in curbing criminal activities, including kidnapping, in the state should be established immediately. These proactive measures will help protect the lives and properties of citizens and instill confidence in the people of Cross River State.
“Additionally, we appeal for your urgent intervention in the assent and implementation of the Cross River State anti-kidnapping law. This legislation will serve as a powerful deterrent against perpetrators of such heinous acts and offer justice to victims and their families.
“Your Excellency, we believe that your esteemed leadership can make a significant difference in addressing this prevailing security challenge. We trust that you will take decisive actions to prioritize the safety of citizens and protect the invaluable contributions of professionals like Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim.”
Addressing the aggrieved doctors at the state house of assembly, the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem told the NMA that they feel their pains. He said the house have aggreed to support the state government for the safe release of Prof. Philip-Ephraim
He also assured the protesting doctors that the house would make laws with severed punishment against kidnaping in the state.
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