Ogun Health Workers Embark On Strike After Abducted Colleagues Regain Freedom

Health workers in Ogun State have embarked on a strike following the abduction of their colleagues.

A doctor, Oladunni Odetola, and a nurse, identified as Bamgbose, were kidnapped in Ogun State and have been released.

Despite their release, health workers in Ogun state have insisted on going ahead with the planned strike “until the safety of members is guaranteed.”

The State Chairman of NMA, Ogunlaja Oladayo confirmed the release of the kidnapped doctor and nurse after about six days in captivity. However, he told Daily Trust on Tuesday, April 13, that there is no going back on strike declared by health workers in protest against the kidnapping of their colleagues in the state.

He said the health workers need to be assured of their safety and that of the hospitals before they would return to their duty posts.

Prior to the release of their abducted colleagues, medical doctors and nurses in Ogun State had announced withdrawal of services in protest. The no-work protest takes effect from 12 midnight on Tuesday, April 13.

Gunmen had, last Wednesday, abducted a medical doctor, Oladunni Odetola and a nurse, Mrs Bamgbose, along Abeokuta – Imeko road, but they have been released early this morning, April 13.

A dental therapist working with the General Hospital, Ijebu – Igbo was also abducted on her way to work on Monday, April 12. She hasn’t been released yet.

Angered by the development, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in a letter jointly addressed to the Commissioner of Health, Dr Tomi Coker, accused the government of noncommittal to securing the release of the abducted health workers.

The letter titled “Notification of Withdrawal of Service,”  was dated April 12, 2021, and jointly signed by the State NMA Chairman, Oladayo Ogunlaja and the State Chairman of NANNM, Roseline Solarin.

ToriNG