Hoodlums Abduct Medical Consultant, Bolt Driver In Calabar.

A Consultant Cardiologist with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Dr Vincent Ihegbu Maduka, and a Bolt driver were abducted on Thursday by hoodlums in Calabar.

Dr Maduka was kidnapped at his gate on his return from church by gunmen who laid siege in his home at Eta Agbo layout and taken to an unknown location.

Dr Innocent Abang, the Nigerian Medical Association Chairman in the state reported that doctors have proceeded on an indefinite strike to protest the release of their colleague.

”There is a standing resolution by NMA in the state that doctors would proceed on indefinite strike once a doctor is kidnapped to press for immediate release of such a victim”.

He said the association was fed up with the recurrent abduction of doctors by hoodlums to demand what he calls ‘blood money’.

The bolt driver was taken by gunmen along Ndidem Usang Iso Road and later released at the Marian Market when it was discovered he was not their target.

”He was dealt several severe blows and allowed to go when they discovered he was a mistaken identity”, a source disclosed.

Mrs Irene Ugbo, the Cross-rivers State Police Command Spokesperson said security agents are on the trail of the hoodlums to secure the release of the doctor.

It would be recalled that Senator Ben Ayade, the governor of the state launched ‘Operation Okparaku’ a few days ago to combat incessant cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.