Resident doctors demand immediate release of kidnapped colleague

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) is urgently calling for the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a colleague who was kidnapped alongside her husband and nephew on December 27, 2023.

Dr. Popoola, who works at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, remains in captivity, while her husband was released in March.

ARD President Dr. Abah Innocent urged the hospital management and the Federal Government to intervene swiftly. He expressed concern that health workers have become targets for kidnappers, noting that the issue of abduction has become widespread, affecting individuals regardless of their profession or status.

“Our colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, was abducted seven months and 20 days ago. We have evidence that she is still alive, but we fear for her safety if no action is taken,” Innocent stated.

“We have suddenly become objects of trade for abductors. The issue of kidnapping is a pandemic, nobody is spared whether you are a doctor, a housewife or you are a governor.

“Our colleague, Doctor Ganiyat Popoola, was abducted exactly seven month, 20 days ago.

“She was kidnapped with the husband and her nephew, however, the husband was released in March and our colleague is still there with the abductors, we have evidence that she is still alive, ” he said.

He called on the government to direct relevant security agencies to ensure Popoola’s release, emphasizing that the association’s conscience would not rest until she is freed.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UATH, Prof. Bisallah Ekele, reassured ARD members that efforts are ongoing to secure Popoola’s release. Represented by Dr. Bob Ukonu, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Ekele acknowledged the gravity of the situation and commended the ARD for their concern.

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“This is an unpredictable time, with reports of even more kidnappings. We share your pain and will continue to contribute towards her safe return,” Ekele said, urging sustained awareness until Popoola is released.

Represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Bob Ukonu, the CMD said that it was a good thing that the association’s members showed concern over the kidnapped of their colleague.

“Just about 20 minutes ago, I had a news flash saying that 20 Medical Students were kidnapped on their way for a programme.

“This is a time you cannot predict what will happen in the next minute. It is unfortunate that Popoola has been under the captivity of these strangers for  the  past seven months.

“We also feel your pain, we will make our own little contributions in terms of making contact.

“What you have done here today, I want to believe is also being replicated in almost all the hospital where we have ARD,” he said.

He said that the awareness should be sustained until the abducted medical doctor  was  released.