Abducted Kaduna-based Doctor, Ganiyat Popoola Regains Freedom After 10 Months

After ten months in captivity, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based medical practitioner and an indigene of Oyo State, has regained her freedom.

Dr. Popoola was kidnapped in December 2023 alongside her husband, a military officer, and her nephew, Mugni Folaranmi, from the staff quarters of the National Eye Center Hospital in Kaduna.

The mother of five, who was breastfeeding her youngest child at the time of her abduction, was taken by unknown gunmen who demanded a ransom of N40 million. Her husband was released in March after extensive negotiations with the kidnappers.

A source from Dr. Popoola’s hometown, Iseyin in Oyo State, confirmed her release on Wednesday evening. “Alhamdulillah, they have been released less than an hour ago,” the source shared with reporters. Her nephew, Mugni, was also released alongside her.

The National Eye Center Hospital, where Dr. Popoola has worked for the past six years, is one of the most extensive healthcare facilities in the country. Located on the outskirts of Kaduna city, the hospital’s remote setting made it a target for the kidnappers.

In a phone call with Daily Trust, Tope Osundara, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), confirmed the news.

Yes, it is true. It happened today (Wednesday). For now, we have insulated her from the public, allowing only limited access to her, Osundara said.

The NARD President also said that no ransom was paid to secure her release, despite previous payments for her husband’s freedom.

In August, the National Association of Resident Doctors declared a 7-day warning strike across all its centres in the country to demand priority for the release of its abducted member, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who was held captive for more than eight months.

The resolution to take this action was reached at a virtual Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday, August 25, 2024.