The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that it will initiate nationwide industrial action unless their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, is released by August 26.
Dr. Popoola, who serves as a registrar in Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, has been held captive since December 27, 2023. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew continue to be missing.
NARD President Dr. Dele Abdullahi has criticized the government for its lack of progress in securing her release, despite numerous appeals made by the association. He noted that efforts to engage with security agencies, as well as federal and state authorities, have yielded little results.
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To push for Dr. Popoola’s rescue, NARD is organizing a national press briefing and planned protests across all tertiary hospitals. Dr Abdullahi voiced frustration over the government’s failure to offer a clear strategy or update regarding the ongoing rescue mission.
Dr Abdullahi also pointed out that this prolonged situation sheds light on the broader issue of safety for healthcare workers in Nigeria. He stressed that the ongoing abduction not only undermines the commitment of healthcare professionals but also calls for immediate action to enhance their protection and restore confidence in governmental measures.
