The Nigerian Medical Association in Ondo State has lamented the rising insecurity in the state following the abduction of three nurses at a primary healthcare centre in Akure by suspected hoodlums last week.
The attack occurred at the Comprehensive Health Centre in the Oke Ijebu area of Akure in the early hours of Saturday, when the nurses were reportedly robbed and abducted by the assailants.
The victims were later abandoned in a bush along the Ondo–Akure Expressway after the attackers allegedly transferred money from their bank accounts. They were subsequently rescued by operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun.
In a statement on Tuesday, the chairman of the Ondo State NMA, Dr Alonge Olumuyiwa, said the current security situation in the state requires urgent attention from the government and other stakeholders.
The statement said, “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.
“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,” the statement read.