Despite ending its strike, there are clear signs that the National Association of Resident Doctors, along with other medical professionals, may relaunch its protest against Prof. Ephraim Ekanem, a neurologist who was abducted on July 13, 2023, at gunpoint.
If she is not saved alive, a seven-day deadline set by Dr. Uche Ojinmah, national president of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), will expire on Friday.
In a press conference with media on Saturday in Calabar, Ojinmah spoke.
Armed men disguised as patients kidnapped Prof. Ekanem from her Calabar home.
“We have had interactions with the state governor and we have made it clear that if by the end of next week we do not get a result, we will take tougher stands because we have observed the mistreatment of medical professionals in Cross River in the last few years,” the national president of the NMA said.
“There will be a nationwide action with Cross River in the center if our member is not freed by Friday.
We might disband so that those who enjoy kidnapping would have to deal with the Cross River residents on their own.
Ojinmah urged the government of Cross River State to take proactive steps to safeguard its residents and thwart attempts to de-market the state.
The NMA has pleaded with the kidnappers to give them their kidnapped doctor back.