Harassment: Doctors withdraw services to police in Zamfara

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Zamfara State has withdrawn all medical services to Police officers and their families in the North-West state.
The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the association, Dr Tijjani Abubakar, and the Secretary, Dr Mannir Bature, on Monday in Gusau, the state capital.
The doctors said that the decision also affected family members of the police, including their children.
`We write to regrettably give notice to the general public the decision of all medical doctors practising in Zamfara State to withdraw services to men and officers of Zamfara State Command of Nigeria Police Force, including members of their families.
“This decision became necessary owing to the failure of the command to address the issue of assault on our member, Dr Nasir Aminu, by their patrol team leading to loss of his several teeth.
“Based on this, we have taken this decision and we are, therefore, advising them to seek medical services elsewhere,’’ the association said.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Shaba Alkali, when contacted described the decision as unfortunate and embarrassing to the command.
Alkali said: “I have received the letter of their decision and we are now working on how to address the issue, I have directed the deputy commissioner of the command to invite them so that we can meet with them on Wednesday.
“I am, therefore, calling on them to come and meet the command to resolve this issue peacefully.’’
Since the decision of the state government to ban movement of motorcycles from 8p.m. to 6 a.m. across the state, many workers on essential services such as doctors and journalists have been maltreated by the police.
The police took advantage of the order to harass people without waiting for explanation.
The police patrol team operating near Anguwar gwaza quarters, Gusau attacked Dr Nasiru Aminu in August, 2016 on his way to his house from hospital where he was beaten with sticks, leading to loss of his teeth.