The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Abia State chapter on Monday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo states to secure the release of abducted orthopaedic surgeon Dr Bonaventure Aguocha. The NMA warned that doctors would embark on an indefinite strike if he remained in captivity.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting in Umuahia, the association said all medical services in the state would be withdrawn from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, if Aguocha was not freed.
The communiqué, signed by NMA Abia Chairman Dr Ezenwa Ezuruike and Secretary Dr Clement Ifenkoronye, said Aguocha was abducted on May 24 while returning to Umuahia from neighbouring Imo State.
The association described Aguocha, a former chairman of the Abia branch of the NMA, as a respected teacher, mentor and healthcare professional who had rendered selfless service in both Abia and Imo states.
The doctors said the incident reflected a growing pattern of attacks on medical practitioners and cited the unresolved 2020 abduction of former Abia State University Teaching Hospital Chief Medical Director Prof. Uwadinachi Iweha.
“Doctors have increasingly become targets of assaults, harassment, intimidation and abduction by criminal elements, despite their commitment to providing quality healthcare under challenging conditions of poor motivation and remuneration,” the communiqué said.
The NMA called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in Abia and Imo states to intensify efforts to secure Aguocha’s release. It also urged the governors of both states to deploy all necessary resources and influence to ensure his prompt freedom.
The association appealed to the federal and state governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at securing the doctor’s release.
It warned that failure to act within the stipulated period could undermine healthcare workers’ confidence in the government’s ability to guarantee their safety and negatively affect healthcare delivery in the two states.