Abducted Kaduna Doctor Freed After 10 Months in Captivity

Abducted Kaduna-based medical doctor, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, has regained her freedom after 10 months in captivity.

Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband, Nurudeen Popoola, a Squadron Leader, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy, who lived with them.

Following several negotiations with the kidnappers, her husband was released on March 8, 2024, but Dr. Popoola and Abdul-Mugniy remained in captivity.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) organized a series of nationwide protests and repeatedly urged the Federal Government to secure the doctor’s release.

NARD began a 7-day warning strike on August 26 to advocate for Dr. Popoola’s release.

The association called off the warning strike on September 2 after the Federal Government threatened to enforce a “no work, no pay” policy.

However, the female doctor and her nephew were released by their captors on Wednesday evening.

“Yes, it is true. It happened today (Wednesday). For now, we have insulated her away from people, we only allow very limited access to her,” Osundara said.

When asked how much was paid to secure her freedom, he responded “No ransom was paid at all.”