Resident doctors begin strike over kidnapped colleague

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday commenced a one week nationwide warning strike over its member, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola-Olawale abducted many months ago.

NARD members who had embarked on a series of protests over the missing Dr. Popoola – Olawale announced their decision to embark on nationwide strike in a communique issued on Monday.

The association said the decision to commence the nationwide strike was made during its extraordinary national executive council (ENEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday, 25th August 2024.

The communique was signed by the Association’s President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi Olaitan, Secretary-General, Dr. Anaduaka Christopher Obinna and the Public & Social Secretary, Dr. Egbe John Jonah.

The association said: “The NEC resolves to go on a one-week total nationwide warning strike starting from midnight, 12.00 am Monday 26th August 2024.

“The NEC noted with dismay the continued detention of our member, Dr. Ganiyat Poopola despite the efforts made so far by the security agencies and the government on her release.”

The association had earlier given a two-week deadline for the release of their abducted colleague which had already elapsed.

The missing medical doctor was abducted on Wednesday, 27th December, 2023 within the the National Eye Centre Staff Quarters in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.

She was kidnapped alonside her husband, Nurudeen Popoola, and the husband’s nephew identified as Folaranmi.

However, while Dr Popoola and Folari are still in custody, her husband was released on 7th March, 2024.