- In order to check the spate of kidnappings in Cross River state, Governor Ayade has approved a 24-hour security coverage for medical doctors
- Consequently, security would now be heightened in various public health institutions all over the state
- The governor's aide also revealed that doctors on night duty would now be picked up from their homes by operatives of the state security outfit
The governor of Cross River, Ben Ayade, has approved a 24-hour security coverage for medical doctors and other professionals in the state in order to check kidnapping, Vanguard reports.
The development was made public by the governor’s security adviser, Jude Ngaji, and follows the strike action embarked upon by the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, in protest against the kidnap of two of their colleagues within a one-week time frame.
READ ALSO: Over 12 million farmers are now employed in Nigeria - Lai Mohammed insists
NAIJ.com gathers that the governor gave the approval for security to be beefed up at public health institutions in the state including the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
The governor’s aide stated: “The governor had a meeting with medical doctors and I also did the same. First, we had to make them understand that it was not as if doctors were being targeted for kidnapping as it was perceived.
“We have some recent cases of doctors being kidnapped. One was the doctor in Akamkpa while the other was the lady who was released after one day.
“The lady was returning from duty at about 1.30am when she was abducted.
“That same night that she was kidnapped, the security agencies met, took a decision and swung into action. That same night, about 11 persons were arrested for various criminal offences, although not within the Calabar metropolis.
“We have discovered that we have made the town too hot for them that they have relocated to neighbouring communities.
“What we have done, especially for the doctors, and we intend to do for all corporate organisations, is that the governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has approved a 24-hour security services for doctors in the teaching hospital and other hospitals.”
Ngaji further disclosed that doctors on night duty would now be picked up from their homes by operatives of the state security outfit, Homeland Security.
He stated: “We now have the responsibility of going out to pick up doctors, especially the ones on duty, no matter how late. We would pay special attention to doctors who live in vulnerable areas.
“So, if a doctor is on duty and has the challenge of leaving where he or she is, the designated security men will go and pick up the doctor and also take him/her back home safely.
“This is a novel idea that we have just introduced and I am sure it is the first of its kind in the country. We are not doing it for doctors alone, other professionals will benefit from it.
“The Homeland Security personnel that are stationed all over the metropolis will take charge of that.”
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Governor Ben Ayade announced a whistle-blowing law in Cross River state that would guarantee the reward of N1 million for anyone who offers information leading to the arrest of armed robbers and kidnappers.
The governor frowned at a situation where people arrested on issues relating to armed robbery or kidnapping still find their way back to streets without prosecution.
According to him, the Executive Order, which he tagged “Hafiz Law,” was resolute to check the spate of crimes in the state.
Nigerians speak angrily about the alleged kidnappers caught in Lagos - on NAIJ.com TV:
Source: Naija.ng