Doctors in Abia State have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over the continued abduction of renowned orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State branch, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo states to secure the doctor’s immediate release.
The warning was contained in a communiqué signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike, and Secretary, Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye, after an emergency meeting in Umuahia.
The association said failure to rescue Aguocha by 8 a.m. on Tuesday would trigger a total and indefinite strike across the state.
Aguocha was kidnapped on May 24 while travelling from Imo State to Umuahia.
Describing him as a respected orthopaedic surgeon, teacher, mentor and former Abia NMA chairman, the association condemned the incident and lamented what it called a growing trend of attacks on medical practitioners.
“Doctors have increasingly become targets of assaults, harassment, intimidation and abduction by criminal elements despite their commitment to providing healthcare services under difficult conditions,” the communiqué stated.
The NMA called on the Department of State Services, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Commissioners of Police in Abia and Imo states to intensify efforts to secure the doctor’s freedom.
The association also appealed to Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to deploy all available resources to ensure Aguocha’s safe return.
According to the doctors, failure to act swiftly could further weaken healthcare delivery and erode confidence in the government’s ability to protect health workers.
The association urged security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to join efforts to secure the surgeon’s release.
