The Enugu State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has reported that over 10 doctors fell victim to kidnappings and violent crimes within less than two months.
This revelation came during an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held on November 14, 2023, at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, as stated in a communiqué jointly signed by Dr. Celestine Ugwoke, Chairman of NMA Enugu State, and Dr. Sunday Okafor, the General Secretary.
The body expressed deep concern over the unprecedented and perilous trend, emphasizing the need for urgent and decisive actions.
The communiqué, forwarded to various government offices and security agencies, highlighted the alarming security situation, particularly in public hospitals, where the absence of robust security measures has emboldened criminal elements.
The statement lamented the impact on healthcare facilities and the safety of medical practitioners.
Despite acknowledging the state government’s efforts in security infrastructure, the body called for a comprehensive overhaul of the security architecture, citing inadequacies in safeguarding Enugu State.
The communiqué condemned the lack of conclusive investigations by security agencies into the kidnapping cases and the failure to apprehend the perpetrators.
In response to these challenges, the NMA members attending the EGM proposed seven resolutions.
These include urging the state government to swiftly deploy armed security personnel to guard public hospitals and enhance the presence of armed patrol teams across the state.
Additionally, the body called for a prioritized restructuring of the current security architecture in Enugu State.
