Medical personnel, especially doctors, under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River State, have decided to embark on a public protest to draw the attention of the state government and security agencies to the kidnapping of their elderly member, Prof Ekanem Philip Ephraim, who is in her mid-60s.
The chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Felix Archibong, confirmed this, saying members of the association will converge at the state House of Assembly complex on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in the morning.
In a telephone interview, Archibong told thedabigal it has been frustrating and traumatic for them that, for over three weeks, their colleague, who is a senior member of NMA and an elderly woman, has not been released.
He said they took the decision to embark on a public protest at the end of their congress a few hours ago.
“We are very worried that the security agencies have yet to rescue our member, who is above 60 years old; a mother and an elderly woman. I can imagine how traumatic and heartrending it has been for Prof Ekanem.
“This is the reason we are coming out in full compliment to the premises of the House of Assembly in a peaceful manner to draw attention and to appeal that the security agencies and government should help rescue her to her loved ones and colleagues.”
A few days ago, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone Six, Jonathan Towuru, gave a marching order to the state commissioner of police to deploy all in his arsenal to ensure the swift release of the medical doctor.