The Federal Government has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to end their seven-day warning strike. The strike, which began to push for the rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Kaduna-based doctor kidnapped in December 2023, is ongoing.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, made the appeal during a visit to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna. He assured that the government and security agencies are actively working to secure Dr. Popoola’s release and have been in contact with the National Security Adviser and local law enforcement.
Alausa emphasized that continuing the strike might worsen the situation and appealed for its suspension. He confirmed that Dr. Popoola is alive and underlines that security agencies are dealing with fluctuating demands from the kidnappers while striving for her safe return.
Despite these assurances, the strike continues as the association maintains that the pressure is necessary to ensure Popoola’s safe return. The strike has also seen support from medical and dental consultants, who are participating based on directives from the national body.