Suspected gunmen invaded the Comprehensive Health Centre in the Oke Ijebu area of Akure and abducted three health workers during the early hours of Saturday. The attackers stormed the facility around 2:00 a.m. while the nurses were on night duty. Subsequently, the assailants robbed the victims of their valuables and transferred money from their bank accounts. The kidnappers later abandoned the health workers in a bush along the Ondo-Akure Expressway. Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, rescued the victims shortly after the abandonment. As reported by ALO360, the incident occurred last week and prompted an immediate response from the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association.
Chairman Condemns Attack on Medical Personnel
Alonge Olumuyiwa, Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, issued a statement on Tuesday to address the security breach. He expressed deep concern regarding the targeting of medical personnel. “The Nigerian Medical Association, Ondo State branch, expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent abduction of three health workers at Oke Ijebu Primary Health Care Centre in the state,” Alonge Olumuyiwa stated.
Furthermore, he noted that the release of the victims brought relief to the association. “It was, however, a relief to note that they have since been released. Nonetheless, this incident represents a troubling development in the security challenges facing the state and calls for deeper reflection and proactive action,” he added.
Association Links Incident to Broader Security Lapses
Alonge Olumuyiwa connected the abduction to deteriorating security conditions across Ondo State. He cited multiple recent incidents in various locations. “In the last few months, attacks and kidnappings in Akoko, Uso, Ilu Abo, and along Oda Road in Akure, among other areas, are clear indications of these lapses. What we used to hear about in the news as frequent occurrences in some northern states is fast becoming a regular development in our Sunshine State,” Alonge Olumuyiwa explained.
Consequently, he warned that such violence threatens healthcare delivery. “As an association, we are gravely disturbed that those who dedicate their lives to saving others are now becoming targets of violence and insecurity. This incident not only endangers the lives of our colleagues but also threatens access to healthcare for the communities they serve,” he stated.
