Medical professionals in Kogi State have halted the strike they initiated two days ago as a demonstration against the abduction of their fellow doctor, Dr. Austin Uwumagbe.
Their decision was prompted by the state government’s commitment on Wednesday to leave no stone unturned in guaranteeing the safe homecoming of their fellow doctor.
Africa Today News, New York, has reported that Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, who serves as the Director of Victory Hospital-Annex in Ogaminana, was kidnapped by unknown assailants last week and is still being held by his captors.
The 72-hour strike’s suspension was formally declared in a communique issued on Thursday. Dr. Olusola Baoku, Chairman of Kogi State NMA, and Dr. Emmanuel Kelvin, the association’s Secretary, jointly signed the statement after an emergency Congress meeting.
The communique highlights that the Emergency Congress Meeting was called with the purpose of reviewing the ongoing industrial action, which is a protest against the kidnapping of their colleague, Umuragbe. The meeting also sought to engage with key agencies and stakeholders.
Read also: Kogi Doctors Protest Colleague’s Abduction By Gunmen
The doctors acknowledged that the strike had efficiently expressed the association’s dissatisfaction to the wider community. They underscored that important security agencies and stakeholders had displayed a remarkable dedication to ensuring the safe release of their colleague.
The communique reads in part ‘Following the intervention of the Medical Elders, the re-assurances from the Kogi State Government, the security agencies and most importantly the plight of our dear patients, the industrial action be suspended across the state at exactly 72hours from its commencement.’
‘The State Officers Council (SOC) of NMA Kogi should sustain engagement with all the relevant Stakeholders to ensure the release of Dr. Austin Umuragbe. Also, periodic updates should be given to the congress to review the process and chart the way forward’.
While acknowledging Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s commitment to the safe return of their colleague, the association also applauds the resolute efforts of security agencies in their mission to rescue the kidnapped victim.
NMA, however, expressed optimism that, Bello who has recorded success and received several awards in protecting Kogi indigenes, will use his good office to quickly bring Umuragbe safe to his family.
‘The Governor should again prove himself as he has done repeatedly in the success he has achieved in protecting lives and properties in Kogi State. We want the public to know that we love and care about them as it is important to create an enabling environment for effective health-care delivery.’
‘We also sympathise with the family of our kidnapped colleague hoping that he will return safely without being hurt,’ the communique added.