The Nigerian Medical Association, Federal Capital Territory (NMA-FCT), has appealed to security agencies to step up efforts to secure the release of Dr Chinonye Nwachukwu.

The NMA-FCT Chairman, Dr Emeka Ayogu, made the appeal at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Ayogu said that Nwachukwu, a young medical graduate who studied in Ukraine, had been in captivity for over two weeks.

He said that she was abducted on October 21, on her way to Garki Hospital, Abuja, where she works.

According to him, the kidnappers had demanded a ransom and warned against interference by law enforcement agencies.

He said that the matter was reported to the security agencies, including the State Security Service FCT Command, the FCT Police Command, and the Minister of the FCT.

“The family has not been allowed to communicate with her, and her condition remains unknown,” he said.

Mr Ayogu said that the association was concerned about her safety and urged the security agencies to intensify their search.

He said that the association might consider further actions if the situation was not resolved soon.

The NMA-FCT Vice Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Nasiru, also called for urgent intervention by the authorities.

He said that doctors were anxious about the safety of their colleague and appealed for calm among members.

The Treasurer of the association, Dr Uchenna Aniebue, said the incident had caused concern among doctors in the FCT.

She urged the authorities to continue efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted doctor.

Also, the Chairman of the Nigeria Dental Association, FCT chapter, Dr Theophilus Agho, appealed to the abductors to release Ms Nwachukwu.

“She returned home after studying abroad to serve her country. We appeal for her safe release,” he said.

He commended the ongoing efforts of the security agencies and urged them to sustain the momentum.

The Assistant Secretary of the NMA-FCT, Dr AbdulHafeez Usman, also appealed to the security agencies to remain focused on rescuing the victim safely.

 (NAN)