On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, doctors in Benue State will start a three-day warning strike in support of one of their colleagues, Dr. Asema Msuega, who was kidnapped on Sunday, July 23, 2023.continue Reading
He was abducted while traveling to a primary health unit in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state to oversee a statewide malaria operation.
The doctors reached their decision at the Benue State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Executive Council (SEC) meeting on Friday.
According to a statement made by the chairman, Dr. Anenga, and the secretary, Dr. Godwin Ameh, the doctors would put away their equipment starting on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 12:01 am, and wouldn’t take them back up until Friday, August 25, 2023, at 8:00 am.
Part of the announcement said, “The strike will affect all medical professionals and all healthcare and educational institutions located throughout the State.
Private clinics and hospitals around the State are free from the strike and will stay open out of concern for the suffering of the general population.
“However, until otherwise directed, all medical professionals employed by Ukum Local Government are therefore ordered to depart with immediate effect.
In addition to the strike, there will be a significant demonstration on August 24, 2023, to raise our collective voice and demand Dr. Asema’s immediate release.
The demonstration will start at 9 a.m. at the government house roundabout and conclude there. Unless he is released before the start of the strike, this and the previous actions will be implemented without fail.
The physicians again pleaded with Senator Barr, who represents the Benue North-East senatorial zone, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, the Tor Tiv, Orchiviligli Prof. James Ayatse, and the state governor of Benue. Both Emmanuel Udende and Solomon Wombo are federal representatives for the Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo district in the House of Assembly. Solomon Wombo represents the Ukum constituency. Ezra Nyiyongo pleaded for interested parties, well-meaning Nigerians, and others to “wade into this ugly situation immediately to secure the life of this young medical doctor.”
