Cross River Doctors Demand Release of Kidnapped Colleague, Plead for Enhanced Security Measures

Medical doctors in Cross River State took to the streets in a protest demanding the immediate release of their colleague, Prof. Ekanem Ephraim, who has been in captivity for three weeks. Led by Dr. Felix Archibong, the Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River State, the doctors braved the downpour, wearing medical overalls, to display their frustration with the ongoing kidnapping incidents.

Carrying placards with messages denouncing the stranglehold of kidnappers and demanding the freedom of all captives, the doctors marched from the General Hospital, Calabar, to the governor’s temporary office at Dan Archibong Lodge. However, Governor Bassey Otu was not present, being out of the state at the time.

The doctors then proceeded to the Cross River House of Assembly, where they met with Speaker Mr. Elvert Ayambem. Archibong expressed concern that doctors in the state have become targets of ransom extortion by kidnappers, who see them as lucrative victims. He highlighted the plight of Prof. Ephraim, a grandmother in her 60s, who has been held captive in the forest for 19 days under harsh conditions.

The doctors appealed to the government to expedite efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped medical professional and others in captivity to prevent any tragic outcomes. Speaker Ayambem assured the doctors that measures were being taken to enhance security in the state to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.