Health workers back Resident Doctors’ nationwide strike over kidnapped colleague

BY UKPONO UKPONG

The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU/AHPA) has declared its unwavering support for the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) as they continue their seven-day nationwide warning strike.

The strike was initiated in response to the kidnapping of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, who has been held captive since December 27, 2023.

This strike represents a call for urgent action from the government to secure the release of the kidnapped doctor.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Comrade Kabir Minjibir, JOHESU/AHPA strongly condemned the abduction of Dr. Popoola, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

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“This is one abduction too many in the health sector where kidnappers have continued to carry out kidnapping activities without any form of resistance from the security apparatus,” the statement read.

The union highlighted that Dr. Popoola is a nursing mother, further underscoring the urgency of her release.

JOHESU/AHPA expressed deep concern over the increasing vulnerability of health workers across the country, noting that this trend could significantly undermine healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

“The vulnerability of health workers across health facilities in the country is capable of undermining healthcare delivery to citizens and consumers of healthcare across the country,” JOHESU/AHPA warned.

The union called for immediate and robust action to safeguard health professionals who are critical to the nation’s well-being.

In its press release, JOHESU/AHPA urged both the Federal Government and state governments to prioritize the rescue of Dr. Popoola and others held by kidnappers.

The union stressed the need for all security agencies to be mobilized in this effort.

“JOHESU/AHPA therefore calls on the Federal Government and Governments at the sub-national levels to, as a matter of urgency, direct appropriate security agencies to do everything possible to rescue the kidnapped medical practitioner, her husband, and other Nigerians in the den of kidnappers nationwide,” the statement declared.

Furthermore, JOHESU/AHPA called on President Bola Tinubu to exercise his authority as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to address the rising security threats posed by kidnappings and other forms of organized crime in the country.

“JOHESU/AHPA demands that President Bola Tinubu should take urgent security measures as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to direct appropriate security agencies to use the latest security technology in addressing the hydra-headed threat posed by various acts of kidnapping, banditry, and other organized crimes in the country,” the union asserted.