Nigerian Doctors Strike Over Abducted Colleague
- NARD has embarked on a seven-day warning strike
- The association has previously staged protests
- NARD's ultimatum for Popoola's release expired on August 26th
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has embarked on a seven-day warning strike to protest the abduction of their colleague, Ganiyat Popoola.
Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, has been held captive for eight months.
NARD President Dele Abdullahi announced the strike during a late-night virtual meeting on Monday, stating that the strike would be total and without exceptions. “All centers, federal and state, should ensure full compliance, even as proper handover of patients to consultants should be done,” Abdullahi said.
The association has previously staged protests demanding Popoola’s release, but the kidnappers continue to hold her and her nephew captive.
A ransom of N60 million was reportedly paid for the release of her husband, but the kidnappers have not released the remaining hostages.
NARD’s ultimatum for Popoola’s release expired on August 26th.
The association has criticized the government’s “inaction” and has threatened further protests if Popoola is not released.