News
Abducted UPTH Doctor Regains Freedom
The abducted doctor of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr Alex Akani has now regained his freedom.
The Tide gathered that Dr Akani, who was abducted by unidentified gunmen on his way home, last Sunday regained his freedom yesterday from the hands of his abductors.
The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, UPTH chapter, Dr Onotai Lucky confirmed the release to The Tide.
However, it is not clear whether a ransom was paid to secure the release of the medical doctor.
It would be recalled that the medical consultants at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital had embarked on an indefinite strike since Tuesday, July 4, 2017 to press for the release of their abducted colleague, Dr Alex Akani.
In an interview with journalists yesterday on the abduction of Dr Akani, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Medical and Dental Consultants Association, Rivers State chapter, Dr Chukwuemeka Agi said doctors in the State were now targeted for kidnapping.
His words: “This strike is an indefinite one. We are reappraising our situation day by day and as we speak with you, it is important that we reiterate that this is the second time Dr Alex Akani, a family physician in this hospital is being kidnapped.
It is also to inform members of the public that about two months ago, a consultant family physician was killed in the process of being kidnapped in Rivers State.
And as we speak, there is a doctor who has been in custody of kidnappers for the past 60 days, so you will see a trend here that we unfortunately have been forced to bear and so this is a cry for help by doctors in Rivers State, this is a cry for help, especially by doctors in UPTH,” Agi added.
He hinted further that the striking doctors would only attend to emergency cases.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the State has lamented what it termed targeted abduction of medical doctors in Rivers State.
The Public Relations Officer of NMA in the State, Dr Ohake Justice at a press conference lamented that more than five doctors had been abducted in the last three months.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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