The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (JOHESU/AHPA) has denounced the prolonged kidnapping of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a Registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna. In a statement signed by National Chairman Kabir Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, JOHESU/AHPA expressed outrage over the incident, which occurred on Dec. 27, 2023. The union highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare workers across the country, emphasising that the persistent kidnappings undermined healthcare delivery to citizens. JOHESU/AHPA described the trend as “dangerous” and urged emergency action from security agencies. The union expressed solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on their seven-day nationwide warning strike, which commenced on August 26, in response to the kidnapping of their colleague. JOHESU/AHPA called on the Federal Government and state authorities to mobilise security agencies to secure the release of Dr Popoola and other kidnapped victims. Furthermore, the union urged President Bola Tinubu to implement advanced security measures to combat the rising threats of kidnapping, banditry, and organised crimes in Nigeria.(NAN)
