The Kwara branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has demanded the release of one of its members, Dr Zubair Erubu, who was kidnapped on Thursday night in his farm house.
This is stated in a joint statement issued on Monday in Ilorin by Prof. Baba Issa, Chairman of the NMA, and Dr Tijani AbdulRasheed, Secretary.
According to them, Erubu was kidnapped on December 9 in his farm house in Ago-Oja, Asa Local Government Area.
“Erubu practices medicine with zeal, and the majority of his patients come from his private Fadima Clinic.”
“He is a humanitarian who provides medical services to the poor at his farm house without compensation.”
“Erubu is committed to assisting the poor and helpless members of society.”
“It is disheartening that someone who has dedicated his life to helping others is now being pursued, abducted, and imprisoned by these bandits.”
“The NMA urges to the Kwara State Government and the security authorities to cooperate individually and together to facilitate Dr Zubair Erubu’s safe release to his family,” they added.
The NMA leaders also urged security forces to protect the safety of other medical physicians and healthcare workers working in the state, as well as in Nigeria in general.
“One of the reasons for the exodus of health professionals from Nigeria has been the unfavorable security environment.”
“The government must put adequate safeguards in place to protect those who have chosen to remain in the country.”
“We appeal to Dr Erubu’s abductors to unconditionally release him unharmed to his family, because doing so is the best way to repay a man who has devoted his entire life, so far, to the service of humanity,” they said.