Workers Protest Kidnap Of Couple In Benin

The staff of  Edo Psychiatric Hospital, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, has took to the streets  yesterday to protest the kidnap on Friday of the Medical Director of the hospital, Prof.  Lionel Iheyen and his wife, Dr. Olasingi Iheyen and an assistant director in the hospital.

The workers  have earlier embarked on a strike to press home their demand.

P.M.NEWS learnt this morning that the kidnappers are demanding for a ransom of N20 million  before they could release the medical practitioners.

In a press release issued by the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Edo State Chapter, Dr.  Phillip Ogudagha, the president of the association, called on the police and the state  government to intervene and ensure the victims, who were kidnapped on duty, are rescued from  the kidnappers in good time.

When our correspondent visited the hospital in Benin City on Monday, activities have been  paralysed, as tyres were used for bonfire around the area.

The popular Ring Road in Benin City was also affected by the protest, as motorists were  prevented from plying the area.

At the time of filing this report, the protesters were walking towards the Edo State House  of Assembly, while  policemen were stationed around the area to forestall  breakdown of law  and order.

—Yomi Obaditan/ Benin