Cross River Police Command said that suspected abductors of Prof. Ekanem Phillip-Ephraim, the first female professor of Medicine at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital are in prison custody awaiting trial.
This was confirmed through the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6 Calabar, AIG Jonathan Towuru, has confirmed
The 60-year-old renowned professor of neurology was kidnapped 13 July, 2023 around the Atimbo axis of Calabar Municipality by unknown gunmen.
The PRO of Zone 6 Police, SP Nelson Okpabi, the AIG, in a signed statement stated this when a delegation from the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Cross River State chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Calabar.
Also read: Prolonged stay of member in kidnappers’ den worries NMA
Several doctors have been kidnapped in Calabar and other parts of Cross River State in the last few years.
The AIG assured the NMA of security cover as they discharge their professional services to the public.
The delegation was led by the new chairman of NMA in the state, Dr. Ezoke Epoke.
The AIG said, “Some of the suspects who kidnapped Prof. Ephraim last year are in prison custody awaiting trial. Effort is being intensified to get to the root of the case.
“I can assure you and members of the public of adequate security as you continue to render your very important services to the public.
“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure proper deployment during your association’s forthcoming election for effective protection of medical doctors.”
The NMA chairman lauded the AIG for the low crime rate in the zone in recent times.
He explained that the visit was to explore new collaborative frontiers for adequate security for medical doctors whom he classified as endangered species due to the activities of kidnappers.
The Chairman pledged NMA’s readiness to support the Police in addition to the ongoing free mental health services for officers at the Police hospital in Calabar every Tuesday.
