The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Owo staged a solidarity demonstration on Friday, August 16, 2024, to demand the release of their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
Led by ARD FMC Owo President, Dr. Asunloye Olufemi Adesola, the executives and the entire congress of doctors, marched to raise awareness about Dr. Popoola’s 7-month captivity.
The Ophthalmology resident doctor at the National Eye Center in Kaduna was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
In solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), ARD FMC Owo demands Dr. Popoola’s immediate release. The doctors, urged security agencies, and the government to intensify efforts to secure her freedom, emphasizing the absurdity of doctors being abducted despite their dedication to serving the country.
“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.”
Members of ARD FMC Owo at the Akure Annex of the hospital also joined the demonstration, demanding Dr. Popoola’s release. Dr. Adeola Oluwadamilola, the Public Relations Officer of ARD FMC Owo, expressed the association’s anguish: “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.”
The ARD president emphasized the association’s grievances, emphasizing the dire need for healthcare services in the country and the unacceptable abduction of a dedicated doctor for 7 months. The protest march seeks urgent intervention to ensure Dr. Ganiyat Popoola’s safe return home.