By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of their member, Dr Stephen Ezeh, who was kidnapped on August 15, 2024.

Ezeh was abducted by yet-to-be identified persons from his home in Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

The NMA in an emergency general meeting on Monday issued a 48 hour ultimatum for the release of their colleague and threatened to withdraw their services across the state if the ultimatum fails.

A Communique signed at the end of the meeting by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, Chairman and Secretary respectively, it condemned the rising spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the state and called on the government and security agencies to arrest the situation

The doctors said: "Our colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh was kidnapped in front of his residence at Umunnamehi Village Ihiala on Thursday, Aug 15, 2024.

“⁠Dr Stephen Eze is a private practitioner and Managing Director of Vera Clinic Ihiala

“The kidnappers have requested 40 million ransom at first and subsequently 30 million in the last 24 hours

“A 48 hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra State Government to secure the immediate release of Dr Ezeh

“If at the expiration of the above timeline, our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA-Anambra will down tools until our member is released.

“⁠An emergency meeting will be convened within the next 48 hours to review the progress made so far."

The association hailed the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for the effort of his administration towards repositioning the health sector, even as it appealed for urgent steps be put in place to tackle the menace of insecurity and other challenges in the State.

It also called on members to continue striving towards providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to the people of the state.