Practicing medical doctors in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, took to the streets on Tuesday to protest the kidnapping of one of their colleagues, Dr. Austin Uwumagbe. Last week, unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted Dr. Uwumagbe, who is the Director of Victory Hospital Annex in Ogaminana, Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

As a result of the protest, doctors were not available to attend to patients at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital Lokoja, Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, and other hospitals in the state capital. Dr. Olusola Baoku, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Kogi State, expressed his concern about the safety of medical practitioners in the country. He revealed that over the past two years, 48 doctors have been kidnapped across the country.

Dr. Baoku lamented the misconception that doctors are wealthy and therefore suitable targets for kidnapping for ransom. He emphasized that doctors are not financially well-off, as many of them live from hand to mouth and have significant debts. He also highlighted the issue of doctors having to cover the hospital bills of patients who cannot afford to pay, further straining their finances.

The NMA Chairman stated that the kidnappers have contacted the family of the kidnapped doctor and are demanding a large ransom that cannot be raised by a single individual. He called on the Kogi State Government and security agencies to take immediate action to secure the safe release of Dr. Uwumagbe.

In conclusion, the medical doctors' protest in Lokoja was a response to the kidnapping of Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, highlighting the dangers faced by medical practitioners in the country. The NMA Chairman appealed for assistance in securing the release of their colleague and urged the public to understand the financial challenges faced by doctors.

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