By Marvellous Nyang
August 14, 2024
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has escalated its demands for the immediate release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been in captivity for over eight months.
Dr. Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy.
While her husband was released in March 2024 after a ransom was paid, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain missing, with kidnappers reportedly demanding a ransom of N60 million for their release.
Dr. Popoola was kidnapped at approximately 1:00 a.m. from the Senior Staff Quarters of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
The incident has drawn significant attention due to the alarming rise in kidnappings across Nigeria, particularly targeting healthcare professionals.
Since her abduction, there have been sporadic communications from the kidnappers, allowing family members to speak briefly with the captives.
The last communication occurred on July 24, 2024, confirming that both Dr. Popoola and her nephew were still alive.
NARD’s response and actions
In response to the government’s perceived inaction, NARD has taken several steps to advocate for Dr. Popoola’s release:
On August 14, 2024, NARD held a press conference in Abuja, where President Dr. Dele Abdullahi announced that if Dr. Popoola is not released by August 26, the association would initiate a nationwide strike.
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This decision follows a two-week ultimatum previously issued to the government, which expired without significant action.
NARD has sent numerous letters to various government bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour, and the Kaduna State Government, requesting immediate action for Dr. Popoola’s release.
However, these communications have not resulted in any meaningful engagement or progress.
NARD is organising protest marches in all tertiary hospitals across Nigeria to raise awareness about Dr. Popoola’s situation and the broader issue of insecurity affecting healthcare workers.
The association aims to mobilise public support and pressure the government to take decisive action.
Concerns over health and safety
NARD has expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating health conditions of Dr. Popoola and her nephew during their prolonged captivity.
The association highlighted that their continued detention in inhumane conditions poses a significant risk to their well-being.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasised that the situation is unacceptable for a nation that values its healthcare providers, stating, “It’s appalling that in a country where we want healthcare providers to stay, one of us has been incarcerated for over seven months without any form of relief.”
Broader implications for healthcare in Nigeria
The ongoing abduction crisis has raised alarm bells within the medical community about the safety of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
The increasing frequency of kidnappings and assaults on doctors threatens the stability of the healthcare system and has led to a growing exodus of medical professionals seeking safer working environments abroad.
In 2021, previous NARD leadership cited insecurity as a key factor driving doctors to leave Nigeria, and the current situation has only exacerbated these concerns.
As the deadline for Dr. Popoola’s release approaches, NARD remains resolute in its commitment to advocate for her freedom and the safety of all healthcare workers in Nigeria.
The association’s planned actions, including nationwide protests and potential strikes, reflect a deepening frustration with the government’s failure to address the escalating insecurity that endangers the lives of medical professionals.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the outcome of this distressing situation and the future of healthcare security in Nigeria.
