Doctors call off strike in Bauchi •After release of detained colleague

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Written by Ishola Michael, Bauchi
Friday, 04 March 2011

MEDICAL doctors in Bauchi State, on Thursday, called off their strike, following the release of the medical doctor in charge of Boto General Hospital, Dr Adamu Sambo, by security operatives in the state.

The doctors had embarked on strike on Monday, to demand for the release of Dr Sambo, who was arrested by operatives of the Plateau State Special Task Force (STF).


http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/18426-doctors-call-off-strike-in-bauchi-after-release-of-detained-colleague

Dr Sambo was arrested by soldiers, on Friday, last week, after he treated patients with gunshots wound, but the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) began strike after the ultimatum given for the release of the colleague lapsed.

The state chairman of the association, Dr Abdullahi Ibrahim, told newsmen in Bauchi, on Thursday, that, “we are happy for the release of our colleague. We have called off our strike,” adding that doctors in the state had resumed duty in all parts of the state.

He said they association was grateful to the state government and the emir of Bauchi, including others who ensured the release of Dr Sambo.

Speaking with newsmen after his release, Dr Sambo said “I spent five days in the hands of State Security Services (SSS) in Plateau State. They asked me if there is connivance between myself and the suspect, but I told them that the suspect was brought to me by the officials of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Tafawa Balewa Local Government branch, as one of the seven people they declared missing after the last crisis in the council.”

Dr Sambo added that “before we lay our hands on the victim, we tried to inform policemen in Boto, but we didn’t get through to them, so I sought for permission from my superior officers in Bauchi, but, unfortunately, we could not save his life, as he died in the process.”

He then thanked the state government, Bauchi emir and his colleagues for the roles they played and for their support for him.