C'River Govt Is Making Concerted Efforts Towards Release Of Kidnapped Prof Ekanem - Rt. Hon Peter Odey

By Our Reporter 

Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Peter Odey, Monday, said government is making concerted effort to ensure the safe release of Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim who was recently kidnapped by a group of armed gang.

The Deputy governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Abua, condemned the unfortunate incident, and assured that the Police and other security operatives have swung into action, with unwavering determination to track down the perpetrators of such dastardliness and ensure the safe return of Prof Ekanem. 

The Deputy Governor pleaded with the Nigerian Medical Association for patience, reassuring them that the government is leaving no stone unturned in the quest for the prompt release of the hostage. 

The Chairman of the Cross River State Chapter Of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Felix Archibong, who led the delegation to express their concerns over the abduction of their colleague, appreciated the Governor and Deputy Governor, for their prompt response to the Association, he however appealed to the government and Security agencies to double their efforts to secure Prof. Ekanem’s release.

Brig. Gen. E. I. Okoro, Commander of the 13th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, urged the doctors to rescind their decision to proceed on strike. He stressed that a strike actions would only strengthen criminals and make doctors vulnerable targets in the future.

The meeting was well attended by Commissioner of Police, CP Gyonon Grimah, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. John Sokoya, and the State Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Okoi Ubi Obono (Rtd).