ABDUCTED ANAMBRA DOCTOR REGAINS FREEDOM, NMA SUSPENDS PLANNED STRIKE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, Anambra State, Edwin Emegakor, who was abducted from his hospital premises on May 7, has regained freedom from his captors.
His release was confirmed on Sunday by the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Princeton Okam.
Emegakor was reportedly kidnapped on the evening of May 7 after attending to patients at the hospital in Nkpor, Anambra State.
According to reports, unidentified gunmen allegedly dressed in security uniforms stormed the facility, held security personnel and hospital workers at gunpoint, confiscated their mobile phones, and whisked the doctor away.
The abduction had sparked outrage among medical practitioners in the state, with the Anambra chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association threatening to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Monday if the doctor was not released within 48 hours.
The threat was contained in a communiqué issued after an Emergency General Meeting of the association held on Saturday.
However, speaking to journalists in Awka on Sunday, Okam expressed gratitude over the doctor’s safe return, noting that the planned industrial action had been overtaken by events.
According to him, Emegakor was rescued with the assistance of police operatives and has since reunited with his family.
He added that the doctor was in good health and high spirits following his release.
Okam, however, did not disclose whether any ransom was paid for the doctor’s freedom.
He also appreciated all those involved in securing the doctor’s release while urging the Anambra State Government to strengthen efforts toward protecting lives and property across the state.
The NMA chairman further disclosed that the association would hold another emergency meeting to decide on formally calling off the planned strike action.
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