End kidnapping of health workers – association urges FG

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has, as a matter of urgency, urged the Federal Government to put an end to the incessant abduction of health workers across the country.

The national president of the association, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, made the call at a news conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

She frowned at the alarming trend of kidnappers targeting medical practitioners, who dedicate their lives to serving others.

Ogu cited the recent abduction of Dr. Ekanem Philips in Calabar over a year ago and Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, kidnapped on Dec. 2 in Kaduna, as examples of this troubling issue.

“More tragic is the recent abduction of 20 medical students and a house officer while travelling to Enugu through Otukpo LGA in Benue.

“This is not just a violation of their rights, but an affront to the entire medical profession and the nation at large,” a teary Ogu said.

The MWAN president questioned why health workers, who are not wealthy and spend their time caring for others, had become targets for criminals.

“Our colleagues spend countless hours in hospitals, clinics, and communities, providing care, comfort, and healing to those in need.

“The kidnapping of healthcare professionals is a grave injustice that undermines the essential role they play in society.

“This situation is unacceptable, and we will not stand by in silence while our colleagues are subjected to such terror,” she lamented.

Ogu urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to address the underlying security issues that had made health workers vulnerable to abductions.

She emphasised the urgent need for the safety of healthcare workers, who are often overworked, underpaid, and overlooked and now live in constant fear.

“Government at all levels and security agencies must take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe release of our colleagues.

“We demand that every resource be mobilised and all avenues explored to bring them home safely,” she pleaded.

Ogu said that in spite of multiple letters to security agencies and the Federal Government regarding this escalating crisis, the kidnapping of healthcare workers had continued.

She called for global action to address the increasing violence against medical professionals in the country.