AGENE GODWIN, Benin
Abductors of former chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Philip Ugbodaga, who was abducted in Imo State on a humanitarian assignment along with two other doctors, are yet to contact families of the victims.
While the Imo State Police Command has since swung into operation with a view to securing the release of the doctors, our correspondent gathered that the abductors have yet to reach the families to state their demands, even as the mobile phone line of the Dr Ugbodaga has remained ‘not reachable’ since his abduction weekend.
A source close to the Ugbodaga family, Sunday, confirmed that they were yet to make contact with the abductors, adding ‘he’s phone has remained unreachable.’
Lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo constituency 2, in Edo State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Agbaje, Monday, in a statement condemned the action and expressed “shock and sadness over the reported kidnap of former Chairman Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Chapter, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, in faraway Imo State.
“I want to personally appeal to the kidnappers to kindly consider his immediate and unconditional release ,” he said. Wondering why such an easy going man like Ugbodaga whom he described as an advocator of the rights of the oppressed and a philanthropic healthcare provider could be a victim.
