Abducted female doctor regains freedom after ten months in captivity

Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, has been released by her abductors after being held for more than ten months.

Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband and nephew while at the senior staff quarters of the eye center.

While her husband was released in March following negotiations with the kidnappers, both Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity.

The prolonged ordeal drew significant attention, culminating in a nationwide warning strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in August, advocating for the safe return of their colleague.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NARD spokesperson Omoha Amobi confirmed Popoola’s release.

“The president of NARD, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, is filled with immense joy and relief to inform you that Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, our dear colleague and resident doctor from the National Eye Centre Kaduna, who was kidnapped and remained in captivity for more than ten months, has been released and reunited with her family,” the statement read.

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The NARD expressed deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to Popoola’s safe return, emphasizing the importance of community support during such a harrowing time.

“The unwavering support, prayers, and contributions of all members and well-wishers have been invaluable in this challenging period. Let us continue to support one another as we work towards a safer and more secure environment for all,” the statement concluded.

It has also been reported that Popoola’s nephew has been released alongside her. Their return comes amidst a troubling trend of abductions in Nigeria, where incidents of kidnapping for ransom have surged in recent months.

In a related event, just days prior, gunmen abducted Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi, Edo State.

The incident occurred while the rector and other priests were engaged in evening prayers and benediction, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced in the region.