The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River State has raised alarm over the state government’s failure to secure the release of Professor Ekanem Ephraim, the lead consultant of Neurology at the University Of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Ephraim was abducted four months ago on July 13 by unknown gunmen near the Atimbo Axis of Calabar Municipality and her whereabouts remain unknown.
Despite Governor Bassey Otu’s announcement in early September 2023 about acquiring technology to detect and prevent kidnappings, the situation has not improved. Another professor, Patrick Egaga, was recently kidnapped in his house within the UNICAL staff quarters, indicating the persistence of the issue.
In an interview with journalists in Calabar, Dr. Felix Archibong, the chairman of NMA in the state, expressed deep concern over Ephraim’s prolonged captivity. He lamented the inability of security agencies and the state government to fulfill their promises of securing her release, as the state continues to grapple with the alarming rate of kidnappings.
Dr. Archibong highlighted the deteriorating security situation, stating that more individuals have been abducted following Ephraim’s kidnapping, making the state increasingly unsafe. He emphasized the association’s reluctance to resort to industrial action but expressed that continuous unfulfilled promises could lead to drastic measures.
The NMA previously engaged in a 40-day industrial action due to the state’s security challenges, which resulted in significant healthcare crises before being called off. Dr. Archibong disclosed that the strike was suspended following assurances from the government regarding Ephraim’s rescue, which have not materialized.
