From Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Dr. Asema Msuega, kidnapped 23rd July 2023, on his routine supervisory medical outreach between zaki Biam to Ayati in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, who was rescued unhurt, August 26th 2023, has lauded the the state Police command for saving his life.
Dr. Msuega who Spoke to The AUTHORITY in Zaki-Biam Monday said, “the experience was a horrifying one”.
“I lived every minute of my days in captivity thinking it could the last. I kept hoping that somehow, some miracle would happen, and never stopped praying for it. It was an unfathomable relief when it finally came”.
Dr. Msuega said, “I praise the gallantry of the security men who saved my life on that day. The situation was increasingly getting unpleasant. There must have been pressure around for my release. I noticed my treatment in the hands of my captors was getting bad”.
On whether there were others with him in captivity of the bandits, Dr. Msuega said, “there were others before me no doubt. There was visible evidence to the fact, I however, didn’t meet anyone and no one was brought to the place where I was staying”.
The Medical Officer in-charge of the Zaki-Biam general hospital appealed to the state government to as matter of urgency, make available, security for medical personnel on outreach programmes in such areas with known high crime rate.
“It is imperative from this experience to demand that, adequate security be provided for medical personnel on outreach duties. It will enable them perform their jobs without the fear of unknown”, Dr. Msuega pointed out.
Benue state police command special force, Operations Zenda/JTF on the 26th August 2023 rescued Dr. Asema Msuega, from the captivity of suspected bandits. He was abducted while in the line of his duties in the suburbs of Zaki-Biam.
