- The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has called for the safe release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, kidnapped for over nine months
- NARD urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts for Dr. Popoola’s release, emphasizing the need for decisive action against insecurity
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has once again called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure the safe release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, who has been in captivity for over nine months.
Dr. Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released after a ransom was paid, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in the hands of their abductors.
NARD has repeatedly protested and appealed to the government to take stronger action to secure her release.
During its 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the association once again urged the government to intensify its efforts.
At a press conference, NARD National President, Dr. Dele Abdulahi, expressed appreciation for the government’s ongoing efforts but stressed the need for more decisive action.
He said, “As for Dr. Popoola Ganiyat, I first of all appreciate the federal government and the security apparatus. It is not that they are not doing their best to rescue her from her captors, but we want to encourage them to do more. We will not rest until she is free.”
Dr. Abdulahi also appealed to state governments to adopt the Medical Residency Training Act, noting that only the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has taken steps in that direction.
He emphasized the need for regulation to prevent hospitals from arbitrarily halting residency programs for reasons known only to them.