The Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra State Branch, has confirmed the successful rescue of its kidnapped member, Dr. Emegakor Edwin, the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
As a result, the branch has suspended its planned strike action scheduled for today.
Dr Emegoakor was kidnapped on Thursday last week at his hospital by gunmen dressed in military and police uniforms.
The NMA Anambra branch met and agreed that all doctors in the state will down tools if their member is not rescued.
Speaking to The News Chronicle correspondent in Anambra after an Emergency General Meeting, the Chairman of the branch, Dr. Princeton Okam, said the Association has shelved the strike in appreciation of the swift intervention by security agencies that led to the doctor’s freedom.
According to him, the abducted medical doctor was rescued on Sunday morning at Obosi alongside some other kidnapped victims, through the gallant efforts of the Rapid Response/Anti-kidnap Squad, Awkuzu unit of the Nigerian Police Force.
He revealed that in the gun duel that ensued between the security operatives and the gunmen, one of the policemen was killed while two others sustained injuries.
The NMA commended the Anambra State Government and the operatives of the Rapid Response and Anti-kidnap Squad, Awkuzu Unit of the Nigeria Police, for their prompt and courageous action.
They also condoled with the family of a police officer who lost his life during the rescue operation, while offering to offset the medical bills of two other officers who sustained injuries in the fierce gun battle with the kidnappers.
The Association further appealed to the state government to tighten the security architecture across Anambra and threw its weight behind the growing call for the establishment of State Police and other measures to secure lives and property in the state.
“What we saw with this whole incident is the fact that we can achieve so much when there is willpower.
“To our esteemed members, who continue striving to provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to Anambra people, despite the prevailing situation and other negative factors, we hope that your sacrifices shall not go unrewarded,” Okam concluded.
