The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has demanded the unconditional release of one of its members, Ekanem Ephraim, abducted from her residence by unknown gunmen on Thursday in Calabar, Cross River State capital.

In an interview on Friday, the NMA chairman in Cross River, Felix Archibong, said the kidnapped doctor worked with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

Mr Archibong said the kidnappers disguised themselves as patients, adding that as Ms Ephraim was giving them the audience, they brought out weapons and whisked her away at about 7:15 p.m.

“We are sure that they are kidnappers because they have reached out to the family, demanding ransom.

“Although the matter had been reported to the police, we want the good people of Cross River, especially the governor, to help us by ensuring that our abducted member is rescued and returned to her loved ones unconditionally,” he said.

The police public relations officer in Cross River, DSP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

Ms Ugbo said men of the force were already on the trail of the kidnappers to know where the victim was taken to.

“Let us be positive and prayerful for the police to get to the root of the matter and rescue her from her assailants,” she said.

Medical practitioners have recently been targets of kidnappers in the state, resulting in NMA embarking on industrial actions in some occasions to get their members released.

(NAN)