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Doctors Rally for Return of Colleague Held by Kidnappers for 8 Months

Esther

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday organized a nationwide protest to demand the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted in Kaduna State on December 27, 2023.

Dr. Popoola, a nursing mother, was kidnapped along with her husband and nephew from their official quarters at the National Eye Centre.


Despite extensive efforts by NARD to secure her freedom, only her husband was released on March 7, 2024, after a ransom of over N60 million and foodstuff was paid. Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.


In Delta State, doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, marched around the hospital premises chanting songs of solidarity and demanding urgent government intervention.

The National Assistant Secretary of NARD and immediate past President of FMC Asaba Chapter, Dr. Asore, stated, "We have done everything possible to get Dr. Ganiyat Popoola released. It has been promises upon promises by security agencies."


The President of the FMC Asaba Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Kenneth Okolie, criticized the government's attitude towards medical personnel, asserting that the security of health workers had remained a low priority for political leaders.


He remarked, "The behaviour had led to the Japa syndrome in the medical profession," referring to the mass exodus of healthcare workers seeking safer environments.


Dr. Silva Juliet, the Public Relations Officer of the Chapter, called on the media and well-meaning Nigerians to support the agitation of the Resident Doctors to ensure that their colleague was released unhurt to reunite with her family and colleagues.


In solidarity with the protesters, Dr. Omo Ekeneam, representing the MD, Dr. Victor Osiatuma, assured the Resident Doctors that management would support them and work in synergy to advance the calls for Dr. Popoola's release.





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