Kidnapped UCTH staff regains freedom in Calabar
A staff of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Christiana Ekanem, who was kidnapped in her home in Calabar on March 10, has regained her freedom.
Security Adviser, Southern Senatorial District to Governor Ben Ayade, Mr. Ani Esin, confirmed her release in a telephone interview on Sunday in Calabar.
Esin disclosed that Ekanem was released on Saturday night in Calabar, after being in captivity for 11 days.
“As we speak, Mrs. Ekanem was released on Saturday night here in Calabar. She has been reunited with her family. She was released safe and unhurt. The intervention was the collaborative efforts of security agencies in the state and my office,” he said.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River state chapter on Saturday had insisted on their indefinite withdrawal of service because of the kidnapping of Ekanem.
READ ALSO: FCTA, Niger intensify move to end boundary dispute
Also speaking, Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr. Agam Ayuk, confirmed her release, stating that “at this point, I can tell you clearly that she has been released safely.
“I want to thank members of NMA for their steadfastness, the security agencies and the press for their respective role that led to her release.
“I want to urge the state government to be more proactive in providing security for all residents in the state as the chief security officer.
“We had earlier embarked on an indefinite withdrawal of medical services in the state due to her kidnap; we will meet and review our action soon.”
The state chapter of the NMA had embarked on an indefinite strike in the state on March 12, to press for the release of Mrs. Ekanem.
You must be logged in to post a comment.