Minister Of Health Petitions NSA, Inspector-General For Rescue Of Kaduna Doctor Abducted Since December

Prof Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has petitioned the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to expedite the rescue of Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
The Kaduna-based ophthalmologist has been held captive for nearly eight months since her abduction on December 27, 2023.
Dr. Popoola, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State, was kidnapped along with her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy.
Despite the release of her husband on March 8, 2024, negotiations with the abductors have yet to secure the release of Dr. Popoola and Abdul-Mugniy.
Since the incident, the abductors have frequently called to allow family members to speak with the captives, with the last communication occurring on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, to confirm that both the doctor and his nephew are still alive.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has persistently demanded the release of Dr Popoola, with various chapters staging peaceful protests in multiple states and in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Monday.
The NARD has warned of a nationwide strike if Popoola is not released by August 26.
In a letter dated August 12, Health Minister Pate requested the intervention of NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and IG Kayode Egbetokun to secure the release of the abducted medical doctor.
The letter, titled “RE: Kidnap of Resident Doctor at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna: Urgent Intervention Needed to Prevent Industrial Disharmony,” called for immediate action.
The letter read, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is in receipt of a letter from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors Ref.no.NARD/SG/2023-2024/290724/788, dated 29th July 2024 (copy attached) on the above subject.
“In the letter under reference, the association informed of the abduction of one of their members, Dr Ganiyat Olawole Popoola, a Senior Registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Care Centre, Kaduna and her nephew over seven months ago (December, 2023) and the victims have remained in the custody of the kidnappers to date.
“In view of the above, the ministry is requesting your urgent intervention not only to save the lives of the kidnapped victims but also to avert industrial disharmony in the health sector.
“While anticipating your prompt action, please accept the warm regards of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare,” he said.