NMA To Commence 3-Day Warning Strike Over Abduction Of Member In Benue

From Lateef Taiwo

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA Benue State branch has revealed that it will commence a 3- day warning strike Tuesday to Friday to register its grievance over the abduction of its member Dr Asema Msuega.
Chairman of the Association Dr Ushakuma Anenga who revealed position of the Association yesterday in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi,after extensive deliberations on the continued captivity of their colleague in the den of kidnappers during it’s meeting, said that Dr Asema was abducted in line of duty on his way to supervise a state malaria initiative at the Primary Health Center in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The NMA boss further revealed that until his abduction Dr Asema was the only medical doctor at the General Hospital Sankera, adding that he devoted his life and time to the service of the people for several years.
According to the statement the strike would encompass all medical doctors and extend to all health and educational facilities across the state and added that private hospitals and clinics across the state are however, exempted from the strike as they will remain open on compassionate and kind considerations.
He further revealed in the statement that all medical doctors working in Ukum Local Government Area are directed to leave the place until instructed otherwise, pointing out that in addition to the strike,there would be a massive protest on Thursday to begin by 9:00am at government house roundabout to end government house gate with the aim of amplifying the collective voices and demands of members for the immediate release of the doctor to serve as warning that if the medical practitioner is not released serious measures would follow.
While calling on the government of Benue State led by Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia,HRM the Tor Tiv Orchivirigh James Ayatse, senator representing zone A- Emmanuel Udende, member representing Katsina-ala/Ukum/ Logo federal constituency- Solomon Wombo, house of Assemly member for Ukum-Ezra Nyiyongo and other stakeholders as well as well- meaning Nigerians to Wade into the ugly situation to secure release of the young medical doctor,the Association reistates it’s determination to continue pressing until it’s demand which is for Dr Asema to be released by his abductors are met.