After being abducted by bandits in December 2023 and held hostage for ten arduous months, Ganiyat Popoola, a female resident physician at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State, has finally been freed.
Popoola, a Registrar at the National Eye Center’s Department of Opthalmology, was kidnapped together with her military officer husband, Nurudeen Popoola, and their living nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugni.
Before releasing her husband on March 8, 2024, the kidnappers wanted a staggering N40 million ransom, which was paid. However, they continued to refuse to release Dr. Popoola and her nephew.
However, on Wednesday night, Dr Popoola and her nephew were released, ending their horrifying experience at the hands of their kidnappers.
In addition to thanking everyone who helped ensure their safe return, Dr Tope Osundara, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), expressed her profound pleasure and excitement at her release.
Concern over the nation’s ongoing kidnappings and ransom demands by kidnappers is rising, as seen by the kidnapping of the doctor and her family.