The Nigerian Medical Association, Abia State branch, has given security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo states a 24-hour ultimatum to secure the release of its member, Dr Bonaventure Aguocha.
According to the Punch, the directive was issued in a communique signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr Ezenwa Ezuruike, and Secretary, Dr Clement Ifenkoronye, following an Emergency General Meeting held in Umuahia and made available to journalists on Monday.
The association warned that failure to ensure Aguocha’s release would lead to a “total and indefinite strike” in Abia State beginning 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2.
The meeting was convened to address the continued abduction of the senior orthopaedic surgeon, who was kidnapped on May 24 while travelling from Imo State to Umuahia.
Describing him as a teacher, mentor, and former Abia NMA chairman, the association praised Aguocha for his “selfless services” across both states.
It also described the incident as part of a troubling pattern of attacks on medical professionals, recalling the still-unresolved 2020 abduction of former Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Prof Uwadinachi Iweha.
“Doctors have increasingly become targets of assaults, harassment, intimidation and abduction by criminal elements, in spite of their commitment to providing quality healthcare under challenging conditions of poor motivation and remuneration,” the communiqué stated.
The NMA called on the Department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police, and Commissioners of Police in Abia and Imo to intensify efforts toward securing Aguocha’s freedom.
It also urged the governors of both states to deploy all necessary resources and influence to ensure his prompt release.
Furthermore, the association appealed to the Federal Government, state authorities, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and Nigerians at large to collaborate in rescuing the abducted doctor.
The congress warned that failure to act within the 24-hour window would further weaken healthcare workers’ confidence in government protection and could severely disrupt healthcare delivery in Abia and Imo states.
