Nigerian Resident Doctors Launch 7-Day Nationwide Strike Over Kidnapped Colleague, Demand Immediate Release
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has initiated a nationwide 7-day warning strike, calling attention to the prolonged captivity of one of their own, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been held by kidnappers for over eight months. The strike, which began at 12:00 a.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024, is being observed across all NARD centers throughout Nigeria.
Free Dr, Ganiyat
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, the President of NARD, announced the strike following an urgent virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held on Sunday, August 25, 2024. He explained that the strike is a total shutdown, with no emergency care services being provided during the seven-day period.
Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Ophthalmology Department at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted nearly eight months ago alongside her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew continue to be held in captivity, sparking outrage and concern among the medical community.
Members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina branch during a solidarity walk for the release of Dr Popoola photo credit FTH Katsina
NARD’s decision to go on strike follows a series of protests held at tertiary hospitals nationwide, during which resident doctors demanded the immediate release of Dr. Popoola. Despite these efforts, no significant progress has been made in securing her freedom.
The strike underscores the increasing insecurity faced by medical professionals in Nigeria and the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to protect healthcare workers.
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