Resident Doctors Demand Release of Colleague Held Hostage by Kidnappers for 7months
Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Medical Center (FMC) Owo chapter have called for the release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola who was abducted by kidnappers in December last year.
Dr Popoola , an Ophthalmology resident doctor at the National Eye Center in Kaduna was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew, the husband was released in March, 2024 but Dr. Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity.
The doctors Led by the president,Dr. Asunloye Olufemi Adesola and the executives staged a solidarity demonstration in Owo, Ondo State to call the attention of government and security agencies on the continued hostage of their colleague in kidnapper’s den.
The doctors lamented Dr. Popoola’s 7-month stay in captivity without any end in sight , urging security agencies, and the government to intensify efforts at securing her freedom.
The ARD, FMC, Owo , Chapter President, Dr. Asunloye Olufemi Adesola, emphasised the absurdity of doctors being abducted despite their dedication to serving the country called for immediate release of their colleague.
This is a nationwide demonstration march by all members of NARD standing in solidarity with our colleague, demanding Dr. Ganiyat Popoola’s release,” Dr. Asunloye stated. “We urge the federal government, Kaduna state government, and security agencies to take immediate and significant action to secure Dr. Popoola’s release.”
The ARD president who let out the association’s grievances, noted that the development was discouraging when the nation is in dire need of healthcare services.
Members of ARD FMC Owo at the Akure Annex of the hospital also joined the demonstration, demanding Dr. Popoola’s release.
The Public Relations Officer of ARD FMC Owo, Dr. Adeola Oluwadamilola expressed their association’s anguish saying : “It’s heartbreaking and appalling that our colleague has been kidnapped for over 7 months.
We’re not asking for too much; we just want her to be freed. Dr. Ganiyat is our sister, colleague, mother, and dedicated doctor who has devoted her life to helping others medically. Her prolonged abduction is unacceptable. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
