Midwives and Trainee Nurses Condemn Attack on Adaklu District Assembly Driver, Demand Swift Investigation

   The Union of Trainee Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UTNMG), has expressed strong condemnation over the horrific assault of Fred Odum, a driver employed at the Adaklu District Assembly in the Volta Region. The union is calling for a prompt investigation and prosecution of those responsible for this violent attack, which has shocked the public due to its brutal nature and the inhumane treatment of the victim.

According to the UTNMG, the attack took place when Mr. Odum was mistakenly identified as a thief. He was subjected to a series of savage acts of violence, which the union describes as a gross violation of human rights. The UTNMG has firmly rejected such brutality and emphasized the need for justice to be swiftly served.

In a statement shared with the media, the UTNMG expressed their solidarity with Mr. Odum and his family, offering both emotional and moral support during this traumatic period. “This act of savagery is unacceptable and violates the most basic human rights. As future healthcare professionals, we, the members of UTNMG, condemn this atrocious act in the strongest possible terms,” the union said in the statement, which was also sent to Myjoyonline. The union made it clear that they stand firmly behind Mr. Odum as he navigates the aftermath of this horrendous experience.

The incident, as reported by The Chronicle, occurred when Mr. Odum, who works as a driver for the Adaklu District Assembly, went to a mechanic shop in Ho to find a metal piece he needed for fixing a flat tire on his motorbike. While at the shop, Mr. Odum was attacked by several individuals who, upon mistakenly thinking he was a thief, began to violently assault him. The suspects subjected him to unimaginable brutality, including forcing him to drink dirty engine oil. They tied him to the rear of a vehicle and dragged him for approximately 500 meters along a tarred road before leaving him for dead.

Fortunately, some kind-hearted passersby found Mr. Odum unconscious and rushed him to the Ho Teaching Hospital, where he was treated for the severe injuries he had sustained. Medical professionals had to remove his testicles due to the extent of the damage caused during the assault. His injuries have left him incapacitated, and he continues to receive medical attention.

The authorities have identified four individuals who are believed to be responsible for this gruesome attack. The suspects are Patrick Kwame Agbesi, 39, an auto mechanic; Abraham Kwame Atidama, 30, an auto electrician; Atsu Adzasu, 24, an auto mechanic; and Prophet Johnson Tagoe, 49. All four are facing charges related to the assault.

The UTNMG, in its statement, has called on the Ghana Police Service to intensify their efforts in ensuring justice for Mr. Odum. The union is urging the police to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and held accountable for their actions. They also called on the Adaklu District Assembly to provide the necessary support and protection for Mr. Odum and his family during this difficult time.

In addition to calling for justice, the UTNMG has highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of such violence. The union has urged the relevant authorities to investigate any underlying issues that may have led to this attack, as well as to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The UTNMG further requested that the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service offer psychological and medical support to Mr. Odum and his family to help them cope with the trauma of the attack.

In light of this horrific event, the union has appealed to Civil Society Organizations to join in condemning this act of violence and to advocate for the protection of human rights. The UTNMG believes that such violent and brutal acts have no place in society and must be condemned by all sectors of society. “As trainee nurses and midwives, we are committed to upholding human dignity and promoting a culture of care and compassion. We demand justice for Fred and call on all stakeholders to join us in condemning this heinous act,” the UTNMG stated.

In closing, the UTNMG emphasized that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. The union’s statement reiterated the need for collective action to create a society that respects and values human life and dignity. They called for everyone to work together to ensure that such a violent incident is not repeated, and that those responsible for harming Fred Odum are brought to justice. The attack has sparked widespread outrage, and many are calling for stronger measures to protect individuals from such violence, ensuring that justice is served and that similar incidents do not happen in the future.

By continuing to raise awareness and urging authorities to take swift action, the UTNMG hopes to send a strong message that violence of any kind is unacceptable in society and must be addressed with the seriousness it deserves.