By: Nwosu Collins
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a nationwide 7-day warning strike, starting on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 12 am. The strike is a response to the abduction of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, who has been in captivity for eight months.
NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, announced the strike during an emergency meeting, stating that the strike will be total, with no concessions or emergency care provided during the period.
Dr. Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity, prompting the resident doctors to take action.
The strike aims to pressure the authorities to ensure Dr. Popoola’s safe release and address the growing concern of insecurity and abduction of healthcare workers in Nigeria.