By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
The Speaker of the Cross River House of Assembly (CRSHA), Honorable Elvert Ayambem has assured the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA) of the safe release of a Neurologist and Consultant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ekanem Philip Ephraim.
Doctor Ekanem Philip Ephraim was kidnapped at about 9:00 pm on Thursday last week around Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries Church, off Atimbo in Calabar Municipality LGA, when four robust individuals arrived at the Professor’s facility in a Toyota vehicle pretending to be patients and then whisked her away.
As a result of that, fumed NMA said they have down tools in all health facilities across the State pending when their colleague will be released.
Speaker Ayambem while addressing the NMA members, urged them not to down tools with the assurance that the Executive Governor of the State, Sen. Bassey Otu, and the security agencies are working round the clock to secure her immediate release from the kidnappers.
He also vowed to implement a law that imposes severe punishment for whosoever is caught in the act of kidnapping in the State.
His words: “I really feel very sad with this recent development of kidnapping, most especially the abduction of professor (Mrs) Ekanem Philip Ephraim of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
“I understand your pain and want to assure you that we will do everything possible to secure her immediate release from the kidnappers’ den. The State governor and the security operatives are working round the clock to bring her back safely,” he said.
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