Doctors worry over incessant kidnapping of colleagues in Rivers

Medical doctors under the aegis of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) have expressed worry over incessant kidnapping of their colleagues, especially in Rivers State.

The association raised the issue during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the weekend when the National President, Dr. OmoEhijele Frank Odafen, condemned the recurring kidnapping of medical doctors, saying many of their members had lost their lives in the hands of suspected kidnappers.

Dr. Odafen who spoke to journalists, said it was time for the government and security agencies to provide armed security men for medical practitioners to enable them carry out their social responsibility effectively without fear of being abducted or killed.

He said, “Doctors are committed people. We practice social service for the nation. We are appealing to the society and kidnappers to leave doctors alone. We don’t have money. We are struggling people. We are appealing to the government, especially Rivers State Government. In the middle of the night when people are sleeping, doctors are out taking care of patients. We are everywhere. So, how would it be, if our lives are in danger? Government should see it as a responsibility to see that doctors are protected so that they can freely carry out their services to the society unhindered.”