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Doctors in Nigerian public hospitals began a nationwide seven-day strike Monday to protest the abduction of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been held captive by kidnappers for the past eight months. Dr. Popoola, an ophthalmologist and mother of five, was abducted from her home on December 27, alongside her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March after a ransom was reportedly paid, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
The striking doctors have refused to provide even emergency care during the strike. They argue that more should be done to secure the release of Dr. Popoola and ensure the safety of medical professionals in Nigeria. The president of the doctors’ association, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “It’s been eight months of agony for her, her family, and her colleagues. The life of doctors should matter to Nigerians.” He warned that if no progress is made, the association might declare an indefinite strike.
Colleagues of Dr. Popoola, including Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Okpanaki, voiced their concern over the growing insecurity in the country. Dr. Okpanaki highlighted the fear and demoralization among medical workers, particularly as many are already leaving the country. He stressed that those who choose to remain should be protected. Dr. Popoola, described as a dedicated professional and responsible family woman, had been working at the National Eye Centre hospital in Kaduna for about six years. At the time of her abduction, she was still breastfeeding her youngest child.
The hospital, located on the outskirts of Kaduna city, is one of Nigeria’s largest eye hospitals but is considered vulnerable to kidnappers due to its remote location. Dr. Popoola’s home, near the hospital, has become another site in the growing trend of abductions in the region. In 2021, students were taken from a nearby college of forestry in a similar incident.
Dr. Popoola’s kidnappers have demanded a ransom of 40 million naira (approximately $25,000) for her release. Despite a controversial law passed in 2022 that criminalizes ransom payments with a penalty of at least 15 years in prison, these payments remain common as desperate families seek to free their loved ones. However, no one has yet been convicted under the law.
The Nigerian government has not commented on the doctors’ strike or Dr. Popoola’s ongoing ordeal. Her husband has declined to speak to the media about the situation. Dr. Abdullahi noted that while the family initially explored diplomatic channels for her release, they have now granted permission for other strategies to be considered.
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