The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Abia State branch, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo States to secure the release of its member, Dr. Bonaventure Aguocha, who was abducted last week.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting held in Umuahia and signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Ezenwa Ezuruike, and Secretary, Dr. Clement Ifenkoronye.
The association warned that failure to secure the surgeon’s release by the deadline would result in an indefinite strike across Abia State beginning 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2.
Dr. Aguocha, an orthopaedic surgeon and former chairman of the Abia NMA, was reportedly abducted on May 24 while travelling to Umuahia from Imo State.
The NMA described him as a respected medical practitioner, teacher, and mentor who has contributed significantly to healthcare delivery in both states.
It also expressed concern over what it called a growing pattern of attacks on medical professionals, citing previous unresolved cases, including the 2020 abduction of a former Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Uwadinachi Iweha.
“Doctors have increasingly become targets of assault, harassment, intimidation and abduction by criminal elements, despite their commitment to providing quality healthcare under challenging conditions,” the communiqué stated.
The association called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Inspector-General of Police, and Commissioners of Police in Abia and Imo States to intensify efforts to secure the doctor’s safe release.
It also urged the governors of both states to deploy all necessary resources to ensure his prompt rescue.
The NMA appealed to the Federal Government, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to intervene urgently in the matter.
The association warned that continued delay in securing the doctor’s release could undermine confidence among healthcare workers and disrupt medical services across the state.