After 10 months in captivity, Kaduna-based Dr. Ganiyat Popoola has regained freedom from her captors.
Ms Popoola, Secretary of the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Center in Kaduna, was abducted in December 2023 along with her husband, Nurdeen Popoola, and nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy.
While her husband had been released after a ransom was reportedly paid, Mrs Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity until 30 October.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N60 million to free the doctor's husband, but Daily Trust reports that the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Tope Osundara, confirmed in a phone call that no ransom was paid.
NARD confirms release
A statement signed by NARD Public Relations Officer, Omoha Amobi, confirmed his release and noted that he has been reunited with his family.
The statement reads in part: “The President of NARD, Osundara Tope Zenith, is filled with immense joy and relief to inform you that Ganiyat Popoola, our dear colleague and resident doctor of the National Eye Center Kaduna, who was kidnapped and remained in captivity for more After ten months, she has been released and reunited with her family.
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“We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped ensure his safe return. The unwavering support, prayers and contributions of all members and supporters have been invaluable at this difficult time.
“Let us continue to support each other as we work towards a safer environment for all.”
NARD strike, protest
To demand Ms Popoola's release, NARD embarked on a seven-day nationwide warning strike over the kidnapping in August.
Members of the association across the country had earlier organized a protest march at all tertiary hospitals calling for the doctor's release, emphasizing the need for adequate security for doctors.
In Lagos State, the protest was observed by the ARDs at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos and Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos.
It was also observed at the National Hospital, Abuja and the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, among others.
Insecurity affects health workers
Nigeria has been grappling with armed conflicts such as terrorism and banditry, among other problems, which also affect health workers.
The Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC) identified 19 incidents of violence against health workers in Nigeria in 2023.
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It also identified 43 incidents in 2022, up from 56 in 2021, in which 37 health workers were kidnapped, another seven were killed and health supplies were looted from pharmacies and health centres.