The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Wednesday rescued senior medical doctor, Dr Felix Ekpo, who was kidnapped in the state.
Gunmen had kidnapped the doctor at his work at Cottage Hospital, Ikot Ekpaw, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
Members of the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association had, in the event of the incident, threatened to withdraw their services if the victim was not freed within 48hrs.
In a statement credited to the Secretary of NMA, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, the association had said, “As it is, the Akwa Ibom Medical Community is in a state of shock and palpable fear. In the next 48hrs, it is our hope that Dr Ekpo would return to us. If otherwise, we may be forced to suspend medical services in the entire state so as to enable us go in search of our dear colleague, Dr Felix Ekpo.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko MacDon, however, disclosed that the victim had been freed and reunited with his family.
According to him, “We have never and will never rest on our efforts to ensure that the good people of this State can live in a secured and peaceful environment.
“We are committed to being proactive in order to prevent the commission of crimes, but where we are unable to do so and a crime is committed, we will spare no resources, including personal resources in ensuring that we apprehend perpetrators and bring them to book.
“Dr Ekpo of Cottage Hospital Mkpat Enin is safe, debriefed and reunited with his lovely family. We remain resolute and on course,” he added.
