Doctors at Nigeria’s public hospitals have begun a seven day nationwide strike to seek the release of their colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who has been k!dnapped for eight months.
On December 27, the mother of five was taken from her home in the middle of the night, along with her husband and a nephew. Her husband was released in March after a ransom was purportedly paid, but the ophthalmologist and her aunt remained k!dnapped.
The physicians claim they will not even give emergency care during the walkout. They believe that the security authorities are not doing enough to ensure Dr. Poopola’s freedom.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, President of the Doctors’ Association, told the BBC that it had been eight months of anguish for her, her family, and her colleagues.
Doctors’ lives should matter to Nigerians,” he said, adding that if nothing changes, they will go on strike indefinitely.
Her colleague, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Okpanaki, described doctors as “demoralised and terrified.” In a country where medical workers are departing, those who have chosen to remain should be safeguarded.”
Dr Poopola began working at the National Eye Centre hospital approximately six years ago, according to Dr Okpanaki.
He praised her as a dedicated professional and responsible family woman.
