The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has appealed to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, the Tor Tiv and sons and daughters of good will to rally round and take proactive actions to rescue their member, Asema Msuega, from captivity.
Msuega who is a dedicated and selfless medical doctor, in charge of the General Hospital, Sankara, in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State was abducted about 26 days ago.
He was abducted along with one other person, by gunmen on July 23 while in the line of duty. He was on his way to supervise a malaria programme at one of the primary healthcare centred in Ukum LGA when he was abducted.
In a statement signed by the Association’s officials including the Chairman, Ushakuma Anenga; Secretary, Ameh Godwin and Public Relations Officer, Mark Ogbodo respectively, the group said Asema was the only Doctor at General Hospital Sankera, where he devoted himself to the service of the people for several years.
They lamented that “His kidnap makes it the second abduction of a medical doctor in the past three months within our state. This pattern cannot be ignored, as it now seems like Doctors, who have given their lives to the service of humanity, are being targeted for kidnap in the state” the statement read in part.
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The Association urged Governor Alia, and top politicians, especially those who hail from Ukum Local Government Area, including Senator Emmanuel Udende representing Benue North-East Senatorial District and Chief of staff to the Governor, Paul Biam to swiftly intervene and ensure the immediate release of Asema Msuega from the hands of his abductors.
They also sought the intervention of the Paramount Ruler of the Tiv nation, Orchiviligh James Ayatse, to take decisive and immediate action that will lead to the release of their colleague and his subordinate.
“In solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, NAGGMDP, Benue state which has been on strike since this distressing incident occurred, we raise our unified voices to demand justice for Asema Msuega”, the NMA said.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
