Three medical doctors kidnapped

Ugbodaga

Three medical doctors, including the former Edo State chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association and politician, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, were kidnapped at the weekend on their way to Imo State.

The doctors were said to have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Imo State on their way into the state to render free medical services to some of the rural communities.

Ugbodaga and others, whose identities are yet unknown, were yet to arrive their designated venue when they were stopped by the suspected kidnappers. The doctors were taken away at gunpoint.

It was gathered that three of the occupants of the vehicle, in which they traveled, were taken to an unknown destination. The incident occurred along Umuaka Road, Isu Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that a vehicle trailed the team of doctors. It was further heard that when the kidnappers were upon them, they ordered the doctors and their drivers to stop. The medical team immediately obeyed at the sight of the menacing looking guns. The suspected kidnappers swooped on Dr. Ugbodaga and the two others.

As at the time of filing this report, no contact had been established with the suspected kidnapers. Family members of the victims are also yet to comment on the incident. Security agencies are said to be investigating the kidnap incident.

Reacting to the incident, the Convener of Edo Focus, a political and socio-economic body, Mr Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, in a statement yesterday, frowned at the crime. He tasked the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase, to urgently take steps to rescue the trio and arrest the kidnappers.

Aiyamenkhue said:  “The news of Ugbodaga's kidnap came to us as a rude shock because, apart from his easy-going lifestyle, he is an indefatigable advocate for the emancipation of the poor, preservation of the rights of oppressed Nigerians and health care provider for the vulnerable citizens of Edo and Nigeria.”

Visibly disturbed, Aiyamenkhue continued: “For us, there is certainly no justification for such a person to be kidnapped, assuming the perpetrators considered moral grounds as a precursor for their action! However, we’re appealing to the IGP, to deploy his professional expertise towards the safe and quick release of our dear brothers and comrades.”

Aiyamenkhue also appealed to the Edo State Government to support the rescue mission of the three doctors.

“We urge Edo youths to remain calm as law enforcement agencies unravel the mystery behind this inhuman incident,” said Aiyamenkhue. “We like to place on record that we will privately examine the factors and characters behind this ungodly incident. But we will not take kindly to the rumours that Fulani herdsmen are behind this nefarious gambit!”

The immediate past President of the NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele said: “It's really sad that our brother, Dr. Ugbodaga was kidnapped by some faceless individuals. While I urge all to fervently pray for his speedy release, I commend all on-going efforts being made to secure his safe release. Undoubtedly, our brother's kidnap is yet another reminder of the failure of the Nigerian State.”