Medical community reacts to Ganiyat’s release, demands freedom of other victims 

The medical community has expressed both relief and concern following the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was held captive by bandits for over 10 months.

Dr. Popoola, a physician with the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was freed alongside her nephew and has since been reportedly transferred to a military facility in Abuja, likely for assessment.

Image of Dr. Popoola  circulating shortly after release showed  her looking visibly weaken and emaciated, sparking fresh calls to protect other healthcare professionals from abductions.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had launched the #BringBackDrGaniyat campaign on social media following peaceful protests in Kaduna that demanded for her release.
President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, had earlier confirmed her release, clarifying that no ransom was paid. “No ransom was paid at all,” Osundara said, urging the government to prioritize the safety of other healthcare workers still in captivity.

Similarly, the official X handle of Nigerian doctors, @Nigerian_doctors also reiterated the call of other practitioners’ release, highlighting the ongoing detention of Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, who was abducted 13 months ago in Kogi state.

“As we celebrate the release of Dr. Ganiyat Olawale-Popoola, after 10 minute in captivity, we remember Dr. Austin Uwumagbe, who was kidnapped 13 months ago.

“Dr. Uwumagbe, abducted on September 19, 2023 at Ogaminana in Kogi, has yet to regain his freedom despite his captors demanding $100,000.

The post continued: “While his case may not generate as much publicity as Dr. Ganiyat’s, we hope he will not be forgotten. His family members are still waiting too. Pls, save our colleague.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has praised the resilience of medical practitioners who rallied behind Dr. Popoola’s case.