Group Asks Buhari To Secure Release Of Abducted Cross River Doctor

The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria in Cross River State has asked the First Lady, Aisha Buhari to secure the release of Dr Vivien Otu said to have been abducted in Cross River State.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its President, Bassey Nakanda, the group described the kidnap of the victim as condemnable.

The association also called on the Minister for Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; the Wife of the Cross River state Governor, Dr Linda Ayade and the Director General of Women Development Centre, Mrs Mary Ekpere Eta to come to their aid in ensuring the immediate release of Dr Otu from captivity.

The female medical practitioners regretted that the victim is the 16th doctor to be abducted within the last few years in Cross River.

“It is even worst when the victim is a woman and it affects the entire populace. Healthcare delivery is affected as all doctors feel threatened, discouraged, and demoralised.

“As women and mothers, we hereby call on the state government, security agencies and relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in bringing to an end this incessant occurrence among medical doctors and other citizens of the state and to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Otu.

“We also cry out to the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of Cross River Governor, Dr Linda Ayade, Minister of Women Affairs, Director General of Women Development Centre and others to rise up and defend womanhood by employing their positions to ensure speedy and unconditional release of Dr Otu.

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“We are also calling on all Civil Society Organisations, especially the International Federation of Female Lawyers, the National Association of Women Journalists and Female Society Organisations to loud their voices to the cry for the release of Dr Otu,” the statement partly read.

The group also asked Governor Ben Ayade to grant assent to the anti-kidnapping bill which was passed by the Cross-River House of Assembly.

Their demand comes two days after the victim was abducted on Marian Road in Calabar.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Irene Ugbo confirmed the kidnap to Channels Television via a phone conversation.

According to her, the State Police Command swung into actions to ensure the release of the kidnapped female doctor.