By Ovie Okpare
Medical doctors in Delta State under the aegis of the National Association of Government General Medical & Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) have declared an indefinite strike over the kidnap of one of their senior colleagues, Dr. Emmanuel Okpako.
Dr. Okpako was said to have been kidnapped last Saturday at Eku Town in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state by arms-wielding hoodlums in the presence of his wife.
The victim is the Principal Medical Officer (PMO) of Government Hospital Okerenkoko in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.
According to a letter addressed to the Delta State Hospital Management Board and copied to the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the State Health Commissioner, the aggrieved doctors stated that they had decided to down tools until their colleague regained freedom.
When, however, contacted, Delta NAGGMDP chairman, Dr. Oyawiri, confirmed the abduction of the medical doctor.
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Meanwhile, independent findings by NIGER DELTA TODAY (NDT) Online revealed that the abductors have contacted the family of the victim where they demanded ransom running into several millions of naira.
Recall that gunmen had in June last year also abducted one Dr. Wisdom Iboyitete of Central Hospital, Ojobo, Burutu LGA of the state.
Iboyitete was released a week later after doctors in the state embarked on an indefinite strike with the then victim’s family reportedly paying ransom to secure his release.
