The Federal Government has called on the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to end their seven-day warning strike.
The appeal was made by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during a visit to the National Eye Centre in Kaduna on Thursday. Alausa assured that discussions are ongoing to secure the safe release of their kidnapped colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
“We are actively handling the situation and maintaining communication with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on this issue,” Alausa stated. “I have also spoken with the Commissioner of Police, and all efforts are being made to ensure her safe return.”
The minister revealed that he had met with NARD’s leadership earlier in the week to persuade them to suspend the strike, arguing that it would only aggravate the situation. He noted that the kidnappers have been altering their demands, but security forces are working diligently to ensure Dr. Popoola’s safe rescue.
The association’s members initiated the seven-day warning strike to advocate for the release of Dr. Popoola, a staff member of the National Eye Centre, who was abducted in December 2023 and has remained in captivity for approximately nine months.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, the Chairman of the association at the National Eye Centre, confirmed that the strike is still ongoing. He mentioned that medical and dental consultants have also joined the protest, following a directive from the national body.
