Demand for Justice: The ARD Protests for Colleague’s Release.

On Monday, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital staged a peaceful protest demanding the unconditional release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola. Dr. Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was abducted in December along with her husband and seven-year-old nephew. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in the custody of their kidnappers for over seven months.

The protest was led by ARD President Olusola Monehin, who emphasized the urgent need for government intervention in the ongoing insecurity crisis. The protesters carried banners with messages such as “FG must help bring back Dr. Ganiyat Popoola” and “We demand the release of Dr. Popoola now,” calling upon the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly.

Monehin highlighted the profound impact of Dr. Popoola’s abduction, noting her significant contributions to healthcare as a mother of five, including an infant at the time of her kidnapping. He pointed out the recent abduction of 20 medical students from the University of Jos and Maiduguri in Benue State, illustrating the escalating insecurity faced by healthcare professionals in the region.

In addition to their demands for Dr. Popoola’s release, the protest underscored the ongoing issues related to poor remuneration and working conditions for doctors in the state. Monehin urged the community, including prominent indigenes, to persuade the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, to address the grievances of the medical professionals. The doctors seek an upward review of their CONMESS salary structure, which has been a longstanding demand, particularly in light of better compensation offered in other states.

The protest serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in Nigeria and the urgent need for government action to ensure their safety and fair treatment. The ARD’s call to action reflects a broader struggle for security and equity in the medical profession, one that must be prioritized to retain dedicated healthcare providers in the country.