A female resident medical doctor, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, has been rescued from kidnappers after spending 10 months in captivity. She was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy.
Dr. Popoola was the registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna State.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Tope Osundara, confirmed her release on Friday, November 1, stating, “Yes, it is true that she has been released, and we want to thank God for that and appreciate all the government agencies that were involved.” He praised the collaborative efforts of government officials, doctors, security officers, and medical associations.
Dr. Popoola’s husband was released on March 8, 2024, after negotiations, but she and her nephew were held back.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors held peaceful protests in August 2024, demanding her rescue. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Free Dr. Ganiyat Popoola” and “Doctors are crying, help us save her.“
Osundara expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Ministers of Health, Prof. Ali Pate and Dr. Tunji Alausa, saying, “They were all involved in the process of securing her release from the captors.” The association also acknowledged the role of various medical associations and security agencies in facilitating her release.
The protests and negotiations ultimately led to Dr. Popoola’s safe return. Resident doctors at the National Hospital, Abuja, and the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, also held protests to press their demand for the rescue of the hostages. Their efforts contributed to her freedom.
Dr. Popoola’s release brings relief to her family, colleagues, and the medical community.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors say they are grateful to all involved in securing Dr. Popoola’s release and that their success proves it is a union committed to the safety and well-being of its members.
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