Former Edo NMA Chairman, 2 Others Kidnapped By Unknown Gunmen

Dare-devil kidnappers have abducted the former NMA chairman, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga.

 
Dr. Philip Ugbodaga

Suspected Kidnappers on Friday, abducted former chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Chapter, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga and two other doctors in Imo state. The incident happened at Isu local government near Umuaka where they had gone to render free medical services to some of the communities.

 

According to a reliable source, Ugbodaga and his colleagues were forcefully stopped by the suspected kidnappers and taken away at gunpoint. It was reported that the particular vehicle from which the suspected kidnappers emerged from had been trailing them before it maneuvered its way to their front and blocked the vehicle Ugbodaga and the other doctors were occupying. 

 

Nothing has been heard from the kidnappers as they are yet to make a demand. Family members of Ugbodaga have refused to issue a statement on the matter. It has been revealed that security operatives are already investigating the matter.

 

The Convener of Edo Focus, Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, a platform for socio-economic discourse, has called on Inspector of police, Mr. Solomon Arase for a speedy action to unravel the perpetrators of the kidnapping.

 

He said: “The news of Dr. Phillip Ugbodaga’s kidnap came to us as a rude shock because apart from his easy-going lifestyle; he is an indefatigable advocate for the emancipation of the poor; the preservation of the rights of the oppressed Nigerians and health care provider for the vulnerable citizens of Edo and Nigeria. For us, there is certainly no justification for such a person in Ugbodaga’s standing to be kidnapped assuming the perpetrators considers moral grounds as a precursor for their action; however, we are appealing to the Inspector General of Police – Mr. Solomon Arase to deploy his professional expertise towards the safe and healthy release of our dear brother and comrade".

 

Also adding his voice to the matter and calling for the immediate release of the medical doctor, immediate past president of the NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele who is also part of the platform remarked that the issue of kidnapping is still a setback the government must tackle. 

 

Enabulele said: “It’s really sad that our brother Dr Philip Ugbodaga was kidnapped by some faceless individuals. While I urge all to fervently pray for his speedy release, I commend all on-going efforts being made to secure his safe release. Undoubtedly, our brother’s kidnap is yet another reminder of the failure of the Nigerian State".