The Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of health workers in the state. The Chairman of the Ondo State NMA, Dr. Alonge Olumuyiwa, condemned the attack on health workers, saying it is unacceptable that those who dedicate their lives to saving others are now becoming targets of violence and insecurity.
The association pointed out that the security situation in the state requires urgent attention from the government and other stakeholders. According to Dr. Olumuyiwa, the recent abduction of three health workers at Oke Ijebu Primary Health Care Centre in the state is a troubling development in the security challenges facing the state. The NMA also linked the incident to growing security lapses across the state, citing recent attacks and kidnappings in various areas.
The association called on the Ondo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security around health institutions across the state, provide proper funding and motivation for the Amotekun Corps and the police, and constitute a stakeholders' committee to develop a security master plan for the state.
This is not the first time health workers have been abducted in the state. Three days ago, three health workers were abducted at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Akure, the state capital, by suspected kidnappers. They were later rescued by operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun.
The Ondo State Government's inability to guarantee the safety of health workers is a stark indication of the state's crumbling security architecture. The fact that health workers are now being targeted by kidnappers raises serious questions about the state's capacity to protect its citizens.
