Gombe Resident Doctors Protest for Release of Kidnapped Colleague

By Our Correspondent

In a show of solidarity, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe chapter, held a peaceful protest demanding the release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyyat Popoola, who has been held captive for the past eight months.

Dr. Popoola, a staff member of the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was kidnapped in January of this year while at her place of primary assignment. Despite the payment of a ransom, she remains in captivity, a situation that has deeply concerned her colleagues.

Leading the protest, Dr. Ibrahim Salihu, President of NARD FTH Gombe, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “We are here today to call for the immediate release of Dr. Ganiyyat Popoola. She has been in captivity for eight months, and this rally is to show our unwavering support for her and her family during this difficult time,” he stated.

Dr. Salihu made an impassioned appeal to security agencies, the Chief Medical Officers, the National Security Adviser, and all relevant authorities to intensify their efforts to secure her release. “Dr. Popoola is innocent; she was simply performing her duties as a medical professional when she was abducted. We urge the government to act swiftly to bring her back to us,” he added.

The protest saw doctors marching within the hospital premises, holding placards with messages such as “Bring Back Dr. Ganiyyat,” as they called for justice and the safe return of their colleague.

Dr. Balkisu Uwani Muhammad, another member of NARD FTH Gombe, reiterated the association’s commitment to the cause. “We stand with Dr. Ganiyyat and her family. We call on the government at all levels to do everything within their power to ensure her safe release,” she said.

Receiving the protesting doctors, the Chief Medical Director of FTH Gombe, Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Abdullahi, assured them that the government and security agencies are working tirelessly to secure Dr. Popoola’s freedom. He conveyed the concerns of the Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said are both deeply committed to resolving the situation.

“The government is not resting on this matter. Every possible effort is being made to ensure that Dr. Ganiyyat Popoola is released safely,” Dr. Abdullahi assured.

The protest at FTH Gombe is part of a nationwide movement by the association of resident doctors, as they continue to press for the release of their kidnapped colleague.