The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kogi State chapter, has called on the state government and security agencies to map out strategies to curb the incessant attacks and abduction of their members across the state.
In a statement issued by the state chairman of PSN, Dr Lawal Muhammed, in Lokoja on Thursday, the professional body expressed worry that practitioners and businessmen in pharmaceuticals in the state have become soft targets for the kidnappers and armed robbers.
They threatened that pharmacists will withdraw their services if abduction of their members continues unchecked.
“Within the space of one week, we have recorded three cases of kidnapping in broad day light and two people have lost their lives during these very ugly incidents in Okene, Kabba and Ajaokuta.
“We have also had instances of armed robbery attacks on pharmacists this year and the previous year within Lokoja, the state capital.
“We, therefore, appeal to relevant security agencies in Kogi state and other stakeholders to swing into action for the release of the victims, hale hearthy and map out strategies to prevent future occurrence.
“Most of the monies invested in pharmaceuticals are loan from banks. We therefore urge the perpetrators and the general public not to see us as being rich. One of the implications of this heinous act is shortages in drug supply and withdrawal of services.
“We all need drugs, irrespective of our class, either to keep fit or to recover from an illness. It is an abomination to attack health facilities and personnel, even during war, so all hands must be on deck to put an end to this menace,” he said.
PSN called Governor Yahaya Bello to come their our aid.
“You have always shown your capacity in the fight against insecurity, we have undiluted confidence in your ability to secure lives and property.”
It was reported that unknown gunmen, on Sunday afternoon, invaded Iruvucheba community in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State and abducted the owner of Azico Pharmacy.
Few days after, the proprietor of Lifted Pharmacy, Pharm. Ganiyu Moses Ozimata was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Kabba, Kogi State.
