The Federal Government has urgently requested that members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) terminate their seven-day warning strike.
On Thursday in Kaduna, during a visit to the National Eye Centre, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the appeal.
According to Alausa, “negotiations are ongoing to ensure the safety of their kidnapped colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.”
READ ALSO: Doctors threaten strike over abducted colleague
“We are on top of the matter and have been on talking terms with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, regarding the issue. I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police and everyone is working hard to see that she is released,” he said.
The minister disclosed that he had met with NARD leadership on Monday to persuade them to end the strike, emphasizing that it would exacerbate the situation.
Alausa noted that while the kidnappers have continually altered their demands, security agencies are diligently working to ensure Dr. Popoola’s safe return.
The strike was initiated by NARD members to demand the rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted in December 2023 and has been held for approximately nine months.
In response, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, Chairman of the National Eye Centre branch of the association, confirmed that the strike remains in effect. He indicated that medical and dental consultants have joined the action, as directed by the national body.
