FG appeals to resident doctors to end strike amid kidnapping crisis

The Federal Government has urgently asked the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to end their seven-day warning strike.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, made this appeal during a visit to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna on Thursday.

Dr. Alausa stressed that efforts are underway to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who has been kidnapped. He assured that the Federal Government and security agencies are working diligently to bring her back safely.

“We are actively addressing the situation and in constant communication with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu,” Dr. Alausa said. “I have also been in touch with the Commissioner of Police. Everyone involved is committed to her rescue.”

The minister also mentioned that he had recently met with NARD leaders to persuade them to halt the strike, arguing that it might worsen the situation. “We believe that this strike won’t help resolve the issue. Our focus is on ensuring her safe return. We’ve confirmed she is alive, which is positive news, and we are hopeful for her safe return,” he added.

Dr. Alausa noted that the kidnappers have been changing their demands frequently, but security forces are working hard to secure Dr. Popoola’s release. “I urge you to call off the strike and join us in praying for her safe return,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nigerian’s top youth platform, TopNaija gathered that the strike is having a significant impact at Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta. Patients are stranded with only a few doctors available, and only 25 patients have been seen. The emergency ward was found to have no doctors present, leaving patients in distress and calling for immediate government intervention.

One patient, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over a missed appointment scheduled for August 28 due to the strike.

The NARD members began the strike to demand action for Dr. Popoola’s rescue. She was kidnapped in December 2023 and has been in captivity for nearly nine months. Despite the minister’s plea, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, Chairman of NARD at the National Eye Centre, confirmed that the strike continues, with medical and dental consultants also participating, as directed by the national body.