By SIMON EBEGBULEM

BENIN CITY- THE former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Professor Eugene Okpere was Sunday morning, abducted by suspected kidnappers.

He was said to have been abducted at about 6:30am, when he went for Church service.

Consequently, the Edo state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has concluded plans to embark on a strike action tomorrow, to press for his release.

Family sources said the former CMD was driving out of his house in BDPA Estate, Ugbowo Benin City, when he was accosted by four armed men, who dragged him out of his car and whisked him away.

Vanguard learnt that his abductors have contacted the family but where yet to name their ransom. The state chairman of the NMA, Dr Philip Ugbodaga hinted Vanguard that doctors in all public hospitals would not admit new patients but would only attend those already on admission and emergency.

According to him, “we are calling an emergency meeting tomorrow  to discuss the way forward but meanwhile I have instructed doctors in the state to embark on an indefinite strike but during the strike, we will attend to those that have already been admitted and emergency cases, we will no not go on ward round. We are calling on emergency meeting of the exco and we are demanding unconditional release of Professor Okpere”.

The state police spokesman, ASP Peter Ogboi, could not be reached as at the time of filing this report. It would be recalled that the incumbent CMD of the hospital, Professor Mike Ibadin was few months ago kidnapped in a similar manner in the same area.