Abuja – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stark warning of a nationwide strike if their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, is not released by August 26, 2024. The threat comes in response to what they describe as the government’s lack of action in the ongoing abduction case.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, President of NARD, expressed the association’s frustration with the government’s inaction. Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
Abdullahi detailed the association’s efforts to secure Dr. Popoola’s release, noting that official notifications were sent to all relevant security agencies, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour, and various key government officials, including the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“For a country that values its healthcare providers, it is crucial that their security is prioritized at all times,” Abdullahi said. “We have seen no significant progress despite multiple communications with both state and federal authorities.”
The association has repeatedly reached out to security agencies and government officials without seeing tangible results. Abdullahi highlighted the lack of direct engagement with relevant authorities regarding the situation.
NARD has planned a national press conference and protest marches at tertiary hospitals across Nigeria to demand Dr. Popoola’s release. If their demands are not met by the deadline, the association will commence a nationwide strike.
“We appreciate the support from concerned Nigerians and security agencies, but concrete steps are needed,” Abdullahi emphasized. “It is unacceptable that a healthcare provider has been held captive for over seven months without any substantial updates or actions towards her rescue.”
The threat of industrial action underscores the urgency of the situation and reflects the broader concern for the safety of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
