The federal government has called on members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to end their seven-day warning strike, urging restraint as efforts continue to secure the release of their abducted colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola. The appeal was made by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a visit to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna on Thursday.
Dr. Alausa assured that negotiations are ongoing to ensure the safe return of Dr. Popoola, who has been held captive since December 2023. He emphasized that the government is fully engaged with security agencies, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, to expedite her rescue.
“We are on top of the matter and have been in constant communication with the necessary authorities,” Dr. Alausa stated, expressing confidence in the ongoing efforts. He also disclosed that he met with NARD leadership on Monday to discuss the situation and to persuade them to call off the strike, warning that it could worsen the already difficult circumstances.
The Minister noted that the kidnappers have been changing their demands frequently, complicating negotiations, but affirmed that security agencies are working tirelessly to secure Dr. Popoola’s safe release.
NARD members initiated the strike to demand the rescue of Dr. Popoola, who has now spent nearly nine months in captivity. The chairman of the association at the National Eye Centre, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, confirmed that the strike is still ongoing, with medical and dental consultants joining the action as per directives from the national body.