NMA decries incessant attacks, killing of doctors

By Chioma Obinna

Medical doctors under the auspices of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos State Chapter, Tuesday raised alarm over incessant attacks and killing of medical doctors by unknown gunmen in the state.

The alarm is coming on the heels of the killing of a young medical practitioner, Dr. Irawo Adamolekun by unknown assailants along Anthony – Ikorodu road, Lagos last week.

It would be recalled that on Friday January 11, the late Dr. Adamolekun was accosted in his car by unknown gunman while in the traffic and the assailant shot him at close range. According to reports, the assailant after the dastardly act crossed to the other side of the road and jumped on a waiting bike to escape from the scene.

In a press statement signed by the Chairman, NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile, the association described the act as wicked and barbaric and called on the Lagos State government and law enforcement agencies to live up to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the populace.

According to the statement, apart from late Adamolekun, many other doctors have been attacked this year alone.

The statement read; “on Tuesday, January, 8, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon was shot at close range in his car at about 4:30 pm on his way from work at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH. The doctor was in traffic jam and was accosted to submit his properties even when he had his car windows rolled up.

“His purported delay in responding got the robbers annoyed and he was shot at close range. The robber thereafter crossed to the other side of the road and jumped on a waiting motorcycle and escaped. The said doctor who sustained a very serious injury is still receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

“Similarly, on the early hours of Monday January 14, Kuppa Medical Centre at Ajao Estate, Lagos was also touched by these dare devil men of the underworlds. They kept both the patients and the medical staff hostage between 2:00 am and 5:00 am while they unleashed terror on them. They were said to have carted away many valuables belonging to the patients, staff and the hospital.”

NMA however, warned the public to be vigilant, especially when plying the Ikorodu / Maryland axis as these hoodlums have found it as a new haven to operate, even as it declared its readiness to partner with any organisation to ensure adequate security in the state and Nigeria at large.

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