Members of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal Medical Center, Owo chapter, on Friday, staged a peaceful protest to demand the release of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted on December 27, 2023.
The march, which drew significant attention, saw the doctors walking through the streets of Owo, holding up a portrait of Dr. Ganiyat, a symbol of their enduring hope for her safe return.
The protest was not just a local effort but part of a broader, nationwide demonstration organized by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to show solidarity with all healthcare professionals still held captive.
The Owo protest highlighted the growing frustration and fear among medical professionals who feel increasingly vulnerable due to the rising spate of abductions.
Addressing the gathering, President of the ARD FMC Owo chapter, Dr. Asunloye Olufemi Adesola, expressed the deep sorrow and concern that has gripped the medical community since Dr. Ganiyat’s abduction.
He emphasized that the protest was a necessary action to remind the authorities and the public of the dire situation.
“We’re not asking for too much; we just want her to be freed. Dr. Ganiyat is our sister, colleague, mother, and dedicated doctor who has devoted her life to helping others medically. Her prolonged abduction is unacceptable. An injury to one is an injury to all,” Dr. Asunloye stated passionately.
The prolonged captivity of Dr. Ganiyat has left a significant impact on her colleagues and the community at large. Many of her fellow doctors described her as a dedicated and compassionate professional, whose absence has left a void in the medical services at FMC Owo.
The fear that this incident could happen to any of them has also led to an increased sense of urgency in their call for her release.
The doctors’ peaceful march underscored the need for greater security measures to protect healthcare workers who are often on the frontlines, especially in regions prone to criminal activities.
The doctors urged the security agencies to intensify their efforts and employ all necessary resources to ensure Dr. Ganiyat’s safe return.
They expressed their frustration with the perceived slow pace of the investigation, which has left her in captivity for more than seven months.
The protest also served as a platform for the doctors to call on the government and the public to pay closer attention to the safety of medical personnel.
They stressed that the abduction of a healthcare worker is not just a personal tragedy but a loss to the entire community, especially those who depend on the medical care provided by professionals like Dr. Ganiyat.
As the march concluded, the doctors vowed to continue their advocacy until Dr. Ganiyat is reunited with her family and colleagues.
Their message was clear: the medical community stands united in demanding justice and safety for their own, and they will not rest until their colleague is free.
