Dr Asema Msuega, a medical Doctor attached to the General hospital, Sakera in Ugbaam council ward of Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state who was kidnapped about 33 days ago has regained his freedom.
The Doctor was abducted on his way to supervise a State Malaria Control (SMC) programme at the Family Support Programme (FSP), center, Uyoo last month.
Following the release of Dr Msuega, the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) decided to discontinue its on ongoing indefinite strike action, which it embarked on in reaction to the abduction of Dr Msuega, with effect from 11am on Saturday.
In a statement signed by the State Secretary of the association, Dr Ameh Godwin and made available to Daily Independent in Makurdi on Sunday, the NMA said it decided to discontinue its strike because Dr Msuega has been released by his abductors.
However, in view of the increasing state of insecurity in Ukum, the NMA has ordered Dr Msuega as well as other doctors working in Ukum LGA to immediately abandon their duty post and not return until further notice.
The statement which was signed by the Secretary of the association, Dr Ameh Godwin said “We are pleased to inform you that Dr. Asema Msuega, our esteemed colleague who was abducted at Ukum LGA on Sunday 23rd July 2023, has been released from captivity.
“In light of this development, an Emergency General Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Benue State Chapter, was convened on Saturday 26th August 2023 by 10 a.m.
“After thorough deliberation and careful consideration, the indefinite strike action, which was initiated in response to the abduction of Dr. Asema Msuega, stands suspended by 11 am today (Saturday).
“Members are hereby instructed to resume their duties. However, Doctors working in Ukum LGA are directed to leave their duty stations until further notice. We are currently assessing the situation and will communicate further instructions as soon as possible.”
In appreciation to the release of their colleague, the NMA scribe stated that “The NMA Benue State Chapter acknowledges the sacrifices made by our members during this trying period and also, the understanding of the public which was pivotal to the release of Dr. Asema Msuega, and for that, we are grateful.
“We thank His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr. Hyacinth Alia, His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, Orciviligh Prof James Ayatse, Senator representing Benue North-East senatorial zone, Emmanuel Udende, member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, the House of Assembly member representing Ukum constituency, Ezra Nyiyongo, security agencies and other stakeholders for their various interventions.”
The association also appreciated the NMA President, Dr Rowland Ojinmah, the national leadership of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Benue State for their solidarity during what it described as “this difficult period.”
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