On Saturday, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) members staged nationwide protests, demanding the release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted in Kaduna State on December 27, 2023.
The doctors have warned of a possible strike if Dr. Popoola is not freed from her captors.
Dr. Popoola, a nursing mother, along with her husband and nephew, was kidnapped from their official residence at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
In Delta State, doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, marched around the hospital premises in solidarity, urging the government to take urgent action in securing Dr. Popoola’s release.
National Assistant Secretary of NARD and former President of FMC Asaba Chapter, Dr. Asore, confirmed that despite efforts, their colleague’s release has not been achieved.
Speaking during the protest, President of the FMC Asaba Chapter of Resident Doctors, Dr. Kenneth Okolie criticized the government’s neglect of medical personnel’s security, which has led to concerns among health workers.
He called on the federal and Kaduna State governments to ensure Dr. Popoola’s release promptly, threatening to halt services until their demands are met.
Chapter’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Silva Juliet, urged the media and Nigerians to support the cause for Dr. Popoola’s safe return.
In a show of solidarity, Dr. Omo Ekeneam (CMAC) addressed the Resident Doctors, assuring them of management’s support in advocating for Dr. Popoola’s release.
Reports indicate that Dr. Popoola’s husband, who was released on March 7, 2024, after negotiations and a ransom payment of over N60 million, while she and her nephew remain in captivity.
Speculations arose that Dr. Popoola’s medical skills may have been utilized by the abductors, given her profession.