A female resident medical doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State, Ganiyat Popoola, has been released after enduring 10 months in captivity following her abduction by bandits in December 2023.
Dr. Popoola, a Registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology, was kidnapped along with her husband, Nurudeen Popoola, a military officer, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugni, who resides with them.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N40 million, which was paid, resulting in her husband’s release on March 8, 2024, though they continued to hold Dr. Popoola and her nephew.
Both Dr. Popoola and her nephew were finally freed on Wednesday evening, concluding their harrowing experience.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Tope Osundara, expressed profound relief and gratitude for their safe return, acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved.
This abduction underscores the growing concern about persistent kidnappings and ransom demands in the country.