Former Edo State NMA Chair Abducted

It was a sad weekend for the family of Ugbodaga in Enwan, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, as a former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in the state, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga and two other doctors whose identities are yet to be known, were reportedly kidnapped on Friday in Imo State.

Dr. Ugbodaga and the two other doctors had gone to render free medical services to some communities, courtesy of a friend who was championing free medical services to members of the community.....

Daily Times gathered that Ugbodaga and his colleagues had hardly arrived their base when they were forcefully stopped by the suspected kidnappers at gunpoint, while the three occupants of the vehicle were taken to an unknown destination. As at the time of this report, the suspected kidnappers are yet to make any contact.

Family members had been reluctant to comment on the incident, but added that security agencies are already investigating the kidnap.

But it was reliably gathered that the incident happened at Isu Local Government Area, near Umuaka, when a particular vehicle, suspecting to have been trailing them, ordered them to stop and picked Ugbodaga and the two other doctors.

Meanwhile, reactions have been trailing the incident as the Convener of Edo Focus, Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, a platform for political and socio-economic discuss in the state and where Ugbodaga is an active member, has in a statement, condemned the action and called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to swing into action and rescue him and others and arrest the perpetrators.

“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 State 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.

“We condemn in the strongest term possible, the kidnap of Dr. Philip Ugbodaga; and while appealing to the Edo State government to support the rescue campaign; we urge Edo youths to remain calm as the law enforcement agencies unravel the mystery behind this inhuman incident. 

We like to place on record that we will privately examine the factors and characters behind this ungodly incident, while pledging to sustain the culture of peaceful disposition; but we will not take kindly to the rumours that Fulani herdsmen are behind this nefarious gambit” the statement added.

In his statement on the kidnap, immediate past president of the NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, who is also part of the platform 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.”