Resident doctors across Nigeria, represented by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), staged a nationwide protest on Saturday to demand the release of their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, News About Nigeria reports.
Dr. Popoola, a nursing mother, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew from their quarters at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State.
The protesters, including doctors from the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, Delta State, marched through the hospital premises, chanting solidarity songs and urging the government to secure Dr. Popoola’s release.
According to Dr. Asore, National Assistant Secretary of NARD, the association has made every effort to secure Dr. Popoola’s release, but to no avail, despite promises from security agencies.
Dr. Asore explained that the nationwide protest was scaled back due to the current fragile state of the country, with protests instead held within hospital premises.
Dr. Kenneth Okolie, President of the FMC Asaba Chapter, criticised the government’s attitude towards medical personnel, stating that their security is not a priority.
He attributed this attitude to the “Japa syndrome” in the medical profession and called on the federal and Kaduna State governments to secure Dr. Popoola’s immediate release.
Dr. Silva Juliet, Public Relations Officer, appealed to the media and Nigerians to support the Resident Doctors’ agitation for Dr. Popoola’s release.
Dr. Omo Ekeneam, representing the hospital’s management, assured the protesters that management would support and work with them to secure Dr. Popoola’s release.
It was reported that Dr. Popoola’s husband, who was also kidnapped, was released on March 7, 2024, after a ransom of over N60 million and food items were paid, but Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
Some individuals have speculated that Dr. Popoola’s medical skills may be useful to the kidnappers, which could be why she is still being held.
