Dr Ganiyat Popoola: Resident doctors demand release of abducted colleague held captive for seven months in Kaduna

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has intensified calls for the release of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State, who was kidnapped by bandits seven months ago.

LIB reported that the doctor was kidnapped on 27 December 2023, alongside her husband, an Air Force officer, Nurudeen Popoola and their nephew, AbdulMugniy Folaranmi, at the National Eye Centre Quarters in Igabi Local Government Area of the state. 

The abductors demanded payment of N100m ransom for their release from captivity, threatening to k!ll the victims if their families fail to pay the huge sum. 

While her husband was released after a ransom was paid, Popoola and her nephew remain in the hands of their captors.

In a series of posts on Monday and Tuesday, with the hashtag, #BringBackGaniyat, NARD and members expressed concern over the silence within the medical community.

“7 months, not 7 minutes, a mother, sister, aunt, wife, help, has been in captivity. Bring Back Dr Ganiyat, please,” a post read.

“Our beloved friend and colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, was brutally kidnapped on 27 December 2023, alongside her husband and nephew. While her husband has been released after a ransom was paid, Dr Ganiyat and her nephew have been held captive for over six months. We desperately need your help to bring her home safely.”

One Dr Aisha Mustapha wrote: “URGENT APPEAL #BringBackGaniyat On December 27th, 2023, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a dedicated medical professional and mother of five, was kidnapped from her home at the National Eye Centre Staff Quarters in Mando, Kaduna, along with her husband and nephew. Although her husband was released after paying a ransom, Dr. Ganiyat and her nephew remain in captivity after 7 long months! Despite our tireless efforts, including appeals to security services and exhausting all resources, Dr. Ganiyat’s safety and well-being hang in the balance. We have received reports that she is alive but in poor health. We urgently implore the government and all stakeholders to intervene and help secure Dr Ganiyat’s release. Her family, colleagues, and patients await her safe return. Nigerian Doctors are Shattered! Join us in demanding action to #BringBackGaniya”

A handle @Nigeriandoctor wrote: “213 days ago, A Nigerian Doctor, Dr Ganiya Olawale-Popoola, was kidnapped in Kaduna, alongside her guest, young Folaranmi. They remain in captivity to date. Her health is reportedly failing. Now, the National Association of Resident Doctors has issued a two-week notice of withdrawal of medical services, if she is not returned to her loved ones. Though ridiculously belated, it is better late than never. We hope Nigerian Medical Association pays attention and follows suit. Nigerian Doctors continue to appeal to Security Agencies to rescue our colleague and her guest.”