The Association of Resident Doctors, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife, has called on security agencies and government to secure the release of Kidnapped colleague, Doctor Ganiyat Popoola and two other family members.
The association made the call on Thursday at a solidarity press conference held at the OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Osun state.
Alongside her husband and niec, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, an ophthalmology Resident Doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, with her husband and niece, was abducted seven months ago and has since been in captivity.
In his address, the President, ARD, OAUTHC chapter, Dr Ibukunoluwa Enesi called on relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the captives’ release and safe return.
Dr Enesi described the incident as an assault on the medical community, noting that the incident has deprived the community the medical care Popoola would have rendered, in the face of brain drain and a diminishing number of specialist doctors to serve the ever-growing Nigerian population.
He said “This is not merely an abduction of one person. It is a grave assault on the medical community, on justice, and on the very fabric of our society, It also deprives the community she serves of skilled medical care in the face of brain drain and a diminishing number of specialist doctors to serve the ever-growing Nigerian population. An injury to one is an injury to all. We can not and will not remain silent in the face of such a profound injustice.
“We, the ARD at OAUTHC lle-Ife, alongside our National body (NARD), lend our unequivocal voice to the cry for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Ganiyat. We call upon the federal government, the state government, and all relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts and ensure her safe return. The life of a dedicated doctor who has committed herself to the service of humanity is too precious to be lost in the hands of criminals.
“Furthermore, we call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations and international bodies to join us in this just cause.
“The continued captivity of Dr. Ganiyat is a glaring reminder of the growing insecurity in our nation, which poses a direct threat to the peace and stability we all cherish. The lives of our colleagues are not bargaining chips, and their safety, security and well-being must be prioritized. We urge all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively. Let us not wait until more lives are irreparably shattered. The time for action is now.”
Rising from the press conference, members of the association staged peaceful protest within the OAUTHC, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as: Free Doctor Ganiyat now!, Seven months in captivity free Popoola now! to demand the release of their kidnapped colleague.
In separate interviews, the President, Osun State Chapter of Medical Women Association of Nigeria, and Medical Professionals, Prof. Olayinka Olasode and Dr. Omodele Opadola, respectively, described the incident as a disaster.
They also appealed to the appropriate authorities to do more to free Dr Popoola and others from the abductors.
