The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika- Zaria, has given the Kaduna State government and security agencies a 10-day ultimatum for the unconditional release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
Popoola, a mother of five and medical practitioner at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was abducted alongside her husband and a visiting nephew, Abdul-Mughniy Folaranmi on December 27, 2023, when bandits invaded the staff quarters of the hospital.
Popoola’s husband was later released due to his deteriorating health condition, after meeting the abductors’ demands.
The doctors vowed to embark on an industrial action if their request is not met within the stipulated period.
President of the chapter, Dr. Suleiman Adah the and Secretary, Dr. Jimoh Aminat, issued the ultimatum at the weekend during a press conference at ABUTH.
“We can’t guarantee industrial harmony if by the 26th of August, she is not released or rescued,” the NARD said.
The association cautioned that if the abducted doctor was not rescued in 10 days, members would be forced to embark on strike.
“We call upon the government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure their safe return,” it added.
One of the doctors had on July 26, 2024, appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to assist in rescuing the abducted doctor, when the CDS was at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, to present a lecture on the security situation in Northern Nigeria.