The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU/AHPA) has strongly condemned the prolonged captivity of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a Registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.
In a statement signed by National Chairman Kabir Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU/AHPA expressed deep concern and outrage over the abduction, which took place on December 27, 2023.
The union highlighted the increasing vulnerability of healthcare workers across Nigeria, emphasizing that the ongoing kidnappings severely undermine the nation’s healthcare delivery system. JOHESU/AHPA described this trend as “dangerous” and called for immediate and decisive action from security agencies.
In solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which began a seven-day nationwide warning strike on August 26 in response to the kidnapping of Dr. Popoola, JOHESU/AHPA stressed the need for urgent intervention. The union urged both the Federal Government and state authorities to mobilize security agencies to secure the release of Dr. Popoola and other kidnapped victims.
Additionally, JOHESU/AHPA called on President Bola Tinubu to implement advanced security measures to combat the rising threats of kidnapping, banditry, and organized crimes in Nigeria, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, especially those in the healthcare sector.
