The ‘captives,’ who The Guardian learnt arrived the southeastern state at the instance of a friend that was championing the free medicare, were double-crossed at Umuaka axis of the council and ordered out at gunpoint before being taken away by the suspected kidnappers.
It was also gathered that the captors were yet to open a communication line since Friday when the incident reportedly took place.
Attempts to feel the pulse of the family of the abducted Enwan, Akoko-Edo Local Council medical practitioner had been unimpressive, as they have refused to speak, indicating that security agencies were investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, reactions have greeted the abduction with the Convener of Edo Focus, a political and socio-economic platform on issues affecting the state, Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor condemning in strong terms the capture of one of his active members, Ugbodaga.
In a statement, he called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to swing into action and rescue him and others while the perpetrators are arrested.
“The news of Dr. Phillip Ugbodaga’s kidnap came to us as a rude shock because apart from his easy-going lifestyle; he is an indefatigable advocate for the emancipation of the poor; the preservation of the rights of the oppressed and healthcare provider for the vulnerable citizens of Edo and Nigeria. For us, there is certainly no justification for such a person in Ugbodaga’s standing to be kidnapped assuming the perpetrators consider moral grounds as a precursor for their action. However, we are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, to deploy his professional expertise towards the safe and healthy release of our dear brother and comrade,” it read in part.
While appealing to the state government to support the rescue campaign and urging the youths to remain calm, the Edokpolor noted: “We like to place on record that we will privately examine the factors and characters behind this ungodly incident, while pledging to sustain the culture of peaceful disposition. But we will not take kindly to the rumours that Fulani herdsmen are behind this nefarious gambit,” he added.
Also reacting, the immediate past president of the NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele who is also a member of the platform, said: “It is really sad that our brother, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, was kidnapped by some faceless individuals. While I urge all to fervently pray for his speedy release, I commend all ongoing efforts being made to secure his safe release. Undoubtedly, our brother’s kidnap is yet another reminder of the failure of the Nigerian State,” he stated.
