On Saturday, August 17, 2024, doctors across Nigeria, under the banner of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), staged a nationwide protest to demand the release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been held captive by kidnappers for eight months.
Dr. Popoola, a nursing mother, was abducted alongside her husband and nephew from their official quarters at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna on December 27, 2023.
In Delta State, resident doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba marched around the hospital premises, chanting solidarity songs and urging the government to take immediate action to secure Dr. Popoola’s release. “We have done everything possible to get Dr. Ganiyat Popoola released. It has been promises upon promises by security agencies,” stated Dr. Asore, the National Assistant Secretary of NARD and former President of FMC Asaba Chapter.
Dr. Kenneth Okolie, President of the FMC Asaba Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, criticized the government’s apparent indifference toward the safety of medical personnel. “The security of health workers remains a low priority for our political leaders, and this has contributed to the ‘Japa’ syndrome in the medical profession,” Dr. Okolie lamented, referring to the growing trend of Nigerian doctors emigrating in search of better opportunities.
He further issued a stern warning to the federal and Kaduna State governments, calling for Dr. Popoola’s immediate release. “We will not hesitate to shut down our services if the needful is not done,” he declared.
The protest at FMC Asaba was supported by Dr. Omo Ekeneam, Chief Medical Adviser (CMAC) representing the Medical Director, Dr. Victor Osiatuma. Addressing the protesters, Dr. Ekeneam assured them of the hospital management’s support, stating, “We will work in synergy to advance the calls for the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.”
It was reported that Dr. Popoola’s husband, who suffers from a fragile health condition, was released on March 7, 2024, after a ransom of over N60 million and foodstuffs were paid. However, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity. Some speculate that the abductors may be keeping Dr. Popoola for her medical expertise, possibly to treat injured members of the bandits and their captives.
