Abia state doctors embark on indefinite strike over colleague’s abduction

Abia state doctors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association on Tuesday, began an indefinite strike to protest against the abduction of their colleague, Prof. Uwadinachi Iweha.

The association announced its decision to withdraw its services at a rally and prayer session held at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

The Chairman of the association, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, stated that Iweha was abducted by unknown gunmen on Sunday, June 6, in front of his house at Umuajameze Ezeleke Umuokpara in Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The victim was taken away with his Toyota Highlander and that they had neither seen nor heard from him since then.

He said that the association was deeply worried by his continued detention by his assailants, hence their prayer for God’s intervention.

“As an association, we contacted the relevant security agencies and the Government of Abia and until today, Tuesday, we have yet to hear from our colleague or see him.

“We are worried that nine days down the line, Iweha is still within the kidnappers’ den.

“This is traumatic, depressing, dehumanising and has instilled a lot of fear within the medical community.

“Our earnest prayer is that his health condition does not deteriorate further and he comes back alive to us and his family,” Okwuonu said.

The association, condemned the kidnap and called on Abia Government and security agencies to take necessary measures to secure Iweha’s release.

The association appealed to any member of the public with useful information about the whereabouts of the victim to report the same to the nearest police station.

It thanked the President of the NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, and members of the National Officers Committee for identifying with Abia over the unfortunate incident.

NAN