The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has condemned the murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband to late Dora Akunyili former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

It described the death not just as unfortunate but an indication of a misplaced value system in Nigeria where life does not matter anymore.

Recall that Dr Akunyili, a renowned Enugu-based medical practitioner, was shot dead by gunmen on Wednesday while on his way from the commemorative lecture in honour of his late wife.

The National Publicity Secretary of NMA, Dr.Aniekeme Uwah, in a press release tagged, “One death too many: We weep for Nigeria” issued in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, wondered why such a skilled medical doctor should be murdered in cold blood at a period Nigeria is suffering from brain drain.

While awaiting the security agencies to come out with an official statement on investigations into the incident, NMA charged the federal and state governments in Nigeria to live up to their core constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

The organisation also called on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are fished out and prosecuted.

The statement in part, “The death of Dr Chike J. Akunyili is indeed one death too many at a moment when the country’s abysmally low Doctor: Patient ratio of 1: 6000 as against the WHO’s recommended 1: 600 is an indication of our misplaced value system as a people where human lives are not valued anymore.

“The association seriously frowns at the incessant loss of lives by Nigerians due to the worsening insecurity in various parts of the country, which also has untoward effects on the health care delivery system.”