Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped a paediatrician at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Dr. Vivien Otu.

She was abducted on Friday night at the wake of her colleague’s mother on Marian Road in Calabar

There are however fears that this might trigger an industrial action by doctors as there is a directive to the effect that whenever a doctor is kidnapped, their colleagues must embark on an industrial action.

Sources said the gunmen shot in the air before whisking away Otu when she went to pick something from her car.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent on Saturday, the newly elected state Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Innocent Abang, said, “I was told she went to the wake of our colleague’s mother. I think she went to pick her husband who was sitting with colleagues and when she got to the place, she wanted to pick something from the car. That was when she was whisked away.

“We have been in contact with security agents. They are trying to get her but since her phones are not with her, they can’t trace her.”

On whether doctors will go on strike in protest against her abduction, Abang said, “The truth is that it is a directive given to us. Whenever any of us is abducted, we have to go on strike. I don’t know how soon that will happen. We are having a meeting today. That will be decided at the meeting.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, did not answer her call after several attempts to reach her as of the time of filing this report.