Protesting Abuja Doctors Demand Government Intervention In Colleague’s Abduction

Protesting Abuja Doctors Demand Government Intervention In Colleague’s Abduction

On Monday, members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the National Hospital in Abuja staged a peaceful protest, demanding the immediate release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped in Kaduna State.

Dr. Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity, prompting growing concerns among her colleagues.

During the protest, held on the hospital premises, the doctors displayed placards with messages such as “Free Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, help bring Ganiyat home safely,” “Rescue Dr. Ganiyat now,” and “Injury to one is an injury to all.” The ARD members called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of their colleague.

Speaking with our correspondent, ARD President at the National Hospital, Dr. Lanre-Aremo Babajide, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that if Dr. Popoola is not rescued by August 26, 2024, the doctors would embark on an indefinite strike as directed by their national body, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

“Our demand is simple: We want the government to intervene and free our colleague, Dr. Popoola. We are calling on the Federal Government, the security chiefs, and the National Security Advisor to act immediately,” Dr. Babajide said. “There are people trained in rescuing abducted captives, so they should act immediately.”

Dr. Babajide also highlighted the mental and emotional toll the prolonged captivity has had on Dr. Popoola’s family and colleagues. “Every second she remains in captivity is a second too long. We urge the authorities to act swiftly to bring her home safely.”

The doctors’ protest follows several letters and appeals made to the Nigerian Medical Association, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour, and various government officials, urging them to take decisive action. However, despite these efforts, the doctors expressed frustration over the lack of significant progress in securing Dr. Popoola’s release.

As the August 26 deadline approaches, the medical community and concerned citizens continue to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring Dr. Popoola and her nephew back home safely.