The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has joined others in a solidarity protest, demanding the release of their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
Dr. Popoola, an Ophthalmologist at the National Eye Center in Kaduna, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband and nephew.
Her husband was released in March, but Dr. Popoola remains in captivity.
During the peaceful “Freedom Walk” protest, Dr. Adeyemi Famous called on the Federal and Kaduna state governments, as well as security agencies, to take immediate action to ensure Dr. Popoola’s release.
The association has threatened to embark on industrial action if Dr. Popoola is not released alive.
Dr. Famous noted that many doctors have been abducted in similar circumstances, with 10-15 doctors currently in captivity. He emphasized the dire ratio of doctors to patients in Nigeria (1:10,000) and the resulting burnout syndrome among doctors.
He also cited poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, and insecurity as reasons for doctors leaving the country.
The Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Professor Kayode Olabanji, commended the doctors for their peaceful protest and expressed dissatisfaction with the increasing rate of kidnapping and security threats in the country.
He urged the government to find lasting solutions to the insecurity crisis.
