Resident doctors threaten strike over unresolved colleague’s abduction

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given a 13-day ultimatum to the government to secure
the release of a kidnapped member, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.

NARD said if their kidnapped member is not freed by August 26, it will embark on a nationwide strike.

The President of NARD, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, gave the indication at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, stating that the association is not impressed with the government’s inaction over the abduction.

Persecondnews recalls that Ganiyat, an ophthalmology registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew.

Despite her husband’s release in March, Dr. Ganiyat and her nephew remain in captivity.

Abdullahi said: “Following notification of the incident, the association notified all security agencies through official written communication, requesting immediate action towards the prompt rescue and release of our incarcerated colleague.”

The association has informed various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Medical Association, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senate and House Committee Chairmen on Health, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Kaduna State Government.

Abdullahi said: “For a country where we have placed a high value on healthcare providers and the need for them to remain within the country, it is imperative that the security of these healthcare providers is guaranteed at all times.”

Abdullahi pointed out that the association has sent numerous letters to security agencies, the Federal Government, and the Kaduna State Government, yet no substantial action has been taken.

He said: “We’ve been engaging, but we’ve not actually had any opportunity to have any personal engagement with the security agencies and the state or federal government regarding this sad situation.

“NARD has resolved to organise a national press conference and a protest march in all tertiary hospitals across the nation to demand Dr. Ganiyat’s release.

“The association will embark on industrial action on August 26 if Dr. Popoola is not freed by then.”

The association expressed gratitude to well-meaning Nigerians and security agencies for their efforts but urged the government to take tangible actions to secure the release of their abducted colleague.

“It’s appalling that in a country where we want healthcare providers to stay, one of us has been incarcerated for over seven months and 17 days without any form of relief or directive on how the rescue mission will proceed.”