Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a resident medical doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State, has been released after enduring 10 months in captivity following her abduction by bandits in December 2023.
Dr. Popoola, a Registrar in the Ophthalmology Department, was kidnapped alongside her husband, Nurudeen Popoola, a military officer, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugni.
The kidnappers initially demanded a N40 million ransom. After the ransom was paid, Dr. Popoola’s husband was released on March 8, 2024, while she and her nephew remained in captivity. They were finally freed on Wednesday evening, marking the end of their harrowing ordeal.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Tope Osundara, expressed immense relief and gratitude for their safe return, thanking everyone who contributed to their release.
This incident underscores the growing issue of kidnappings and ransom demands in Nigeria, which continue to pose serious security challenges across the country.
