Former Edo NMA chairman kidnapped in Imo state while on free medical assistance

AGENE GODWIN, Benin

Former Edo State chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Philip Ugbodaga and two other doctors whose identities are yet to be known, were reportedly kidnapped, Friday, in Imo state where they had gone to render free medical services to some communities.

Ugbodaga, who hails from Enwan, Akoko-Edo local government area of Edo state was reportedly in Imo to assist a friend who was championing free medical services to members of the community.

It was gathered thatUgbodaga and his colleagues had barely arrived their base when they were forcefully stopped by the suspected kidnappers who whisked them away at gunpoint, to an unknown destination and as at the time of this report, the suspected kidnapers have yet to make any contact.

Family members have been reluctant to comment on the incident but that security agencies are already investigating the kidnap.

However, it was reliably gathered that the incident happened at Isu local government near Umuaka.

Meanwhile, reactions have been trailing the incident as the Coordinator of N’Edo gheria, Agene Patrick, a platform for political and socio-economic development in a statement condemned the incident and called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase to swing into action and rescue him and others and arrest the perpetrators.

“The news of Dr. Phillip Ugbodaga’s kidnap came to us as a rude shock because apart from his easy-going lifestyle; he is an indefatigable advocate for the emancipation of the poor; the preservation of the rights of the oppressed Nigerians and health care provider for the vulnerable citizens of Edo and Nigeria. For us, there is certainly no justification for such a person in Ugbodaga’s standing to be kidnapped assuming the perpetrators considers moral grounds as a precursor for their action; however, we are appealing to the Inspector General of Police – Mr. Solomon Arase to deploy his professional expertise towards the safe and healthy release of our dear brother and comrade.”

In his statement on the kidnap, immediate past president of the NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele who is also part of the platform said “It’s really sad that our brother Dr Philip Ugbodaga was kidnapped by some faceless individuals. While I urge all to fervently pray for his speedy release, I commend all on-going efforts being made to secure his safe release. Undoubtedly, our brother’s kidnap is yet another reminder of the failure of the Nigerian State.