The Association of Resident Doctors at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto has demanded the immediate release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been held captive by bandits since December 2023.
The UDUTH chapter of the association has urged both state and federal governments to secure her unconditional release within one week, threatening a nationwide strike if she is not freed by August 26. The call came after a peaceful protest held within the hospital premises on Monday.
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Dr. Uzairu Abdullahi, chairman of the UDUTH chapter, expressed frustration at the government’s lack of action. “On behalf of the Supreme Congress of the Association of Resident Doctors, UDUTH, we are here today to express our deep concerns to the government and all security stakeholders regarding the continued detention of our colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola,” he stated.
Abdullahi highlighted the negative impact of Dr. Popoola’s prolonged captivity on the morale of medical professionals. “Dr. Ganiyat is not only a dedicated medical practitioner but also a mother of five young children, suffering in the hands of criminals,” he added. He called for urgent measures from the Federal Government to prevent a nationwide industrial action.
Abdullahi noted that despite ongoing phone conversations between the criminals and certain individuals, Dr. Popoola’s location remains unknown. “We have seen well-known Nigerians rescued within days or weeks, but in the case of this patriotic citizen, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, it has been eight months,” he said.
Dr. Fauziyat Abdullah, a personal friend of Dr. Popoola, also made an emotional appeal to the Federal Government and security agencies. “Dr. Ganiyat is a dedicated doctor and a loving mother who always puts the interests of her patients first,” Abdullah said. She urged the government to act with the same urgency shown in other high-profile cases.
