By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) Osun State Chapter staged a peaceful protest on Friday to demand the unconditional release of their colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who was reportedly abducted on December 27, 2023 at her residence in Kaduna.

Our correspondent reports that Dr Popoola was kidnapped alongside her husband and nephew. Her husband was released after weeks in captivity, leaving Dr Popoola, who is a breastfeeding mother, still held captive.

The protesting doctors turned out in large numbers, carrying placards with various inscriptions such as “All we are saying, bring back Ganiyat” and “We want the unconditional release of Dr Ganiyat,” among others.

Addressing journalists at the end of the peaceful protest, which took place within the premises of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, President of the ARD Osun State chapter, Dr Ojo Damilola John, said that if their request for prompt intervention and the release of their colleague is not heeded, they may have no option but to down tools to press home their demand.

Dr John stated that the ARD has lost patience with the government’s inaction over the abduction, adding that their colleague and her nephew, who remain in captivity, have suffered physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.

He called on the government and security agents to ensure Dr Ganiyat and her nephew are released alive.

“Our demand as the Association of Medical Doctors of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital is to join all other Nigerian doctors in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Ganiyat and her nephew, and to reunite them with their immediate family.

“We appeal to the security agents and all other stakeholders to ensure Dr Ganiyat and her nephew are released unconditionally because an injury to one is an injury to all.”

Echoing similar views, the Vice President 1 of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr Ilori Solomon, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Olawale-Popoola and her nephew.

Dr Solomon emphasised the critical role that healthcare professionals like Dr Popoola play in society, particularly during these challenging times.

He warned that the association would embark on industrial action on 26th August if Dr Popoola is not freed by then.

He called on all relevant authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts in securing the release of the doctor and her nephew.

He said: “Our demand is simple. In a book, they said all animals are equal, but we know some are more equal than others. I just imagine if it were the daughter, wife, or sister of any leader at the helm of affairs who had been incarcerated for the past seven months, would she still be in captivity?”