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By Lawrence Agbo
Doctors under the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ondo State have demanded urgent action from the government over the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity across the state.
The call was made by the state NMA Chairman, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, who expressed deep concern over the growing trend of abductions, particularly targeting health workers.
He condemned the recent kidnapping of three health workers at the Oke Ijebu Primary Health Care Centre, describing it as a troubling sign of worsening security challenges.
Although the victims have since been released, the association warned that such incidents threaten not only the lives of medical personnel but also access to healthcare services for residents.
“The Nigerian Medical Association, Ondo State branch, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent abduction of three health workers at Oke Ijebu Primary Health Care Centre in the state,” Olumuyiwa said in a statement.
“It was, however, a relief to note that they have since been released. Nonetheless, this incident represents a troubling development in the security challenges facing the state and calls for deeper reflection and proactive action.
“As an association, we are gravely disturbed that those who dedicate their lives to saving others are now becoming targets of violence and insecurity. This incident not only endangers the lives of our colleagues but also threatens access to healthcare for the communities they serve.”
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Olumuyiwa noted that recent attacks reported in Akoko, Uso, Ilu Abo, and along Oda Road in Akure point to serious security lapses.
“In the last few months, attacks and kidnappings in Akoko, Uso, Ilu Abo, and along Oda Road in Akure, among other areas, are clear indications of these lapses. What we used to hear about in the news as frequent occurrences in some northern states is fast becoming a regular development in our Sunshine State.”
He warned that kidnappings, once associated with parts of northern Nigeria is now becoming common in Ondo State.
The NMA called on the state government and security agencies to strengthen protection around health facilities and improve funding and support for the police and the Amotekun Corps.
“There is also an urgent need for health facility managers to create a platform for engaging health workers on security matters in order to reduce tension in health facilities,” the association said.
The association also recommended the creation of a stakeholders’ committee to develop a comprehensive security plan, alongside the provision of intervention funds to address security gaps in both urban and rural health centres.
While reaffirming its commitment to healthcare delivery, the NMA stressed that health workers cannot continue to operate under fear, urging authorities to act swiftly to restore safety and public confidence.
