The Benue State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has suspended the indefinite strike it declared on Friday over the abduction of their colleague Dr Asema Msuega in the Ukum Local Government Area.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of its emergency general meeting held on Saturday in Makurdi.
The NMA said it was highly elated by the release of their colleague from captivity by his abductors and directed their colleagues working in the flash point of violence in Ukum LGA to leave their duty post until further notice.
The statement added that the association is assessing the situation and will communicate further instructions as soon as possible.
The statement signed by the secretary, Dr Ameh Godwin, acknowledged the sacrifices made by members during the trying period and the understanding of the public, which was pivotal to the release of Msuega.
“We thank His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr. Hyacinth Alia, His Royal Majesty, the Tor Tiv, Orciviligh Prof James Ayatse, the Senator representing Benue North-East senatorial zone, Barrister Emmanuel Udende, the member representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo federal constituency, Hon Solomon Wombo, the House of Assembly member representing Ukum constituency, Hon. Ezra Nyiyongo, security agencies and other stakeholders for their various interventions.
“We appreciate the NMA President, Dr. Uche Rowland Ojinmah, the national leadership of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Benue State for their solidarity during this difficult period.” He said.
Reliable sources told DAILY POST that Msuega, who works at the Ukum General Hospital in Zakibiam, was freed from the kidnappers on Friday night after a month and three days due to much pressure on them by security agencies who were closing in on them in their hideout.
When contacted on the development, Benue PPRO, Catherine Anene, confirmed the release of the doctor, Asema Msuega last night.
