…Insists Severe Punishment Awaits Such Culprits
Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem has assured the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) that they will ensure the safe release of Doctor of Neurology at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Professor (Mrs) Ekanem Philip Ephraim from the kidnappers’ den.
Recall that Ephraim was whisked away by gunmen last week who pretended to be patients in a bid to have direct access to the professor.
However, threat by the NMA State chapter to down tools due to her abduction has attracted the attention of Speaker Ayambem and lawmakers of the 10th Assembly.
Addressing a delegation of NMA members, Ayambem urged them not to down tools, with the assurance that the Executive Governor of the State, Sen. Bassey Otu and the security agencies are working round the clock to secure her immediate release from the kidnappers.
The Speaker also vow to implement a law that impose severe punishment for whosoever is caught in the act of kidnapping in the state.
“I really feel very sad with this recent development of kidnapping, most especially the abduction of professor (Mrs) Ekanem Philip Ephraim of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
“I understand your pain and want to assure you that we will do everything possible to secure her immediate release from the kidnappers den. The State governor and the security operatives are working round the clock to bring her back safe.”