Doctors Call Off Strike After Kidnapped Colleague Is Freed In Delta

The indefinite strike declared by doctors in Delta State over the kidnap of Dr. Wisdom Iboyitete by gunmen at Ojobo General Hospital in Burutu Local Government Area of the state has been called off.

Dr. Iboyitete, who was abducted by gunmen who disguised as patients in the wee hours of Monday June 1, 2020, was released on Sunday morning.

Following Iboyitete’s abduction, doctors working in government hospitals in the state under the aegis of National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) had declared an indefinite strike after a two-day warning strike.

They vowed to continue the strike until the kidnapped colleague regained freedom from his abductors.

The arms-wielding gunmen finally released Dr. Iboyitete after spending seven days in their hideout on Sunday.

It was said that the medical doctor was freed after the gunmen allegedly parted with about N5million from the victim.

However, NAGGMDP in a statement on Sunday evening announced that the strike had been called while confirming the release of the victim.

The statement signed by the state NAGGMDP’s President, Dr. Ebikagboro Olayinka and Secretary, Dr. Ikechukwu Okoh, directed all members of the association to resume work on Monday June 8, 2020.

“He was released today 07/06/2020”, the statement said.

It added, “The Association had an Emergency Meeting today 07/06/2020 and appreciated the efforts made toward his safe release by the following: The Chairman and members of the NMA Delta State, he National NAGGMDP, Security agencies, his employers and most importantly and, all members of NAGGMDP Delta State.

“Consequently, the Association resolved that the Strike action as earlier declared be called off. Members to resume duty on Monday 08/06/2020 at 08:00 WAT.”

-Niger Delta Today