Kidnapped doctor regains freedom in Cross River

Gunmen

A medical doctor, Dr Ogbonna Uchenna-Aju, who was kidnapped on May 3 in Cross River by unknown gunmen has been freed.

His release was announced in a communiqué signed by the Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), South South zone, Dr Agam Ayuk, and the Secretary Dr Ezoke Epoke after its general emergency meeting held on Sunday in Calabar.

Uchenna-Aju was kidnapped while on transit from Ogoja LGA to his house in Obudu LGA in Cross River.

The association had threatened to embark on an industrial action if the doctor was not released.

However, in the communiqué, the association said Uchenna-Aju was released safely on May 9 through the efforts of the state government, security agencies and the media.

The association said that Uchenna-Aju was released safely on May 9 through the efforts of the state government, security agencies and the media.

“Arising from the meeting and taking into serious consideration the healthcare needs of Cross Riverians, the NMA in Cross River has suspended the notice of total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state.

“The association have also directed all its members across the state to resume work immediately.

“The association will keep to her January 8th 2018 resolution in the event of the kidnapped of a doctor or dependents which says that `the NMA will henceforth withdraw all medical services without any notice anytime a doctor or dependent are taken captive in future,” the group said.