Doctors protest as kidnappers hold female colleague for 8 months

Resident doctors across Nigeria, under the banner of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), held nationwide protests demanding the immediate release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted in Kaduna State on December 27, 2023. Dr. Popoola, a nursing mother, was kidnapped alongside her husband and nephew from their residence at the National Eye Center in Kaduna.

The protests, which took place in various states, including Delta State, saw doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba marching through the hospital premises, chanting solidarity songs, and urging the government to secure Dr. Popoola's release. The National Assistant Secretary of NARD, Dr. Asore, revealed that the national body had made extensive efforts to secure her freedom, but all attempts had been met with empty promises from security agencies.

Dr. Kenneth Okolie, President of the FMC Asaba Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, criticized the government's indifferent attitude towards the safety of medical professionals, citing it as a major factor behind the growing "Japa syndrome," where healthcare workers leave the country in search of better opportunities. He warned that the resident doctors would shut down their services if the federal and Kaduna State governments did not act swiftly to secure Dr. Popoola's release.

Adding her voice to the outcry, the Public Relations Officer of the FMC Asaba Chapter, Dr. Silva Juliet, called on the media and the public to support the doctors' efforts to bring their colleague home safely. In a show of solidarity, Dr. Omo Ekeneam, representing the Medical Director of FMC Asaba, assured the protesting doctors that the hospital management would fully support their cause and work collaboratively to press for Dr. Popoola's release.

It was reported that Dr. Popoola's husband, who has a fragile health condition, was released on March 7, 2024, following a ransom payment of over N60 million and the delivery of food supplies. However, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity. Speculation has arisen that the abductors might be keeping Dr. Popoola to provide medical care to the bandits and their captives.

This situation has heightened tensions within the medical community, and the resident doctors have made it clear that they will not relent until Dr. Popoola is safely reunited with her family and colleagues.