The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said it would be forced to close down hospitals in Rivers State if the kidnapping of its members persists.
The Association’s decision was disclosed by the Secretary of the Rivers State state chapter, Dr. Hope Avundaa in Port Harcourt the state capital.
This follows the abduction of one of its members Dr. Steven Bagshaw.
Dr. Bagshaw is a senior registrar with the Rivers State Government who is currently undergoing posting at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
He was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday, November 10, 2022 at the entrance of his residence near a new generation bank in the Rumuokoro axis of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state while returning from work at about 9.45 pm.
“The Rivers State NMA is preparing to implement our anti-kidnap protocol of shutting down all facilities in the state.
“We encourage members to be safety conscious and take appropriate security measures this period.
“The NMA Rivers State has reached out to security agents, the state Director, Department of State Services, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, and the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations.”
According to the medical body, they are in touch with Dr. Bagshaw’s wife to give her their support untill her husband is released.
Truth Live News reports that their has been a rise in the state and across the country as we enter into the Yuletide season.