Kidnappers of late first female professor of medicine now in prison – police

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 6 Calabar, AIG Jonathan Towuru, has confirmed the imprisonment of suspects who abducted Prof. Ekanem Ephraim, the first female professor of medicine at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

The 60 years old professor died in the kidnappers den following her abduction in 2023.

According to a statement signed by the PRO of Zone 6 Police, SP Nelson Okpabi, the AIG made the disclosure when a delegation from the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Coss River State chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Calabar.

Several doctors have been kidnapped in Calabar and other parts of Cross River State in the last few years.

The AIG assured the NMA of security cover as they discharge their professional services to the public.

The delegation was led by the new chairman of NMA in the state, Dr. Ezoke Epoke.

The AIG said, “Some of the suspects who kidnapped Prof. Ephraim last year are in prison custody awaiting trial. Effort is being intensified to get to the root of the case.

“I can assure you and members of the public of adequate security as you continue to render your very important services to the public.

“I have directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure proper deployment during your association’s forthcoming election for effective protection of medical doctors.”

The NMA chairman lauded the AIG for the low crime rate in the zone in recent times.

He explained that the visit was to explore new collaborative frontiers for adequate security for medical doctors whom he classified as endangered species due to the activities of kidnappers.

The chairman further pledged the readiness of NMA to support the Police in addition to the ongoing free mental health services for officers at the Police hospital in Calabar every Tuesday.