‘We’re working hard to rescue Popoola’ — FG asks resident doctors to end strike

Tunji Alausa, minister of state for health, has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to call off its seven-day warning strike.

NAN reports that Alausa made the appeal on Thursday during his visit to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.

On August 26, NARD commenced the strike to demand the rescue of Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the department of ophthalmology at the centre.

Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband and nephew.

While her husband was released in March after discussions with the abductors, Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.

Alausa said the federal government and security agencies are ramping up efforts to rescue Popoola.

“We are on top of the matter and have been in communication with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, regarding the issue,” he said.

“I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police, and everyone is working hard to see that she is released.”

The minister added that he had met with NARD leadership on Monday to persuade them to end the strike. 

“We don’t believe this warning strike will do anything. All hands are on deck to secure her release,” he said. 

“For the past two days, we know she is alive, and that’s good news for us as the security forces work hard to bring her back alive.”

The minister said the kidnappers have been changing their demands frequently. 

“I appeal to you to call off the strike, and let’s keep praying that she comes back home in peace,” he added.

However, Ibrahim Mohammed, chairman of the association at the centre, said the strike is still on.

He stated that medical and dental consultants have joined the strike as directed by the national body.