Kidnapped Kaduna Doctor Released After 10 Months in Captivity

A female doctor abducted by bandits in Kaduna has regained her freedom after ten months in captivity. Learn more about her journey to safety and the latest on efforts to curb abductions in Nigeria.

Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, an ophthalmologist from Kaduna who was abducted on December 27, 2023, has been released after spending ten months in captivity.

Popoola, a registrar in the Ophthalmology Department at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted along with her husband and nephew by individuals believed to be bandits.

Her husband was released in March, but Popoola and her nephew continued to be held captive.

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The incident sparked considerable public outrage, particularly from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), who initiated a strike in August to call for her release.

In a phone interview on Wednesday, NARD President Tope Osundara confirmed that Popoola and her nephew had been released.

“Yes, it’s true. It occurred today (Wednesday). Currently, we have isolated her from others and are allowing only very limited contact,” he mentioned.

Osundara further explained that her release was secured without paying any ransom.