The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations, JOHESU/AHPA, has faulted the abduction of Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a Registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.
The union, in a statement by National Chairman Kabir Minjibir and National Secretary Martin Egbanubi, expressed outrage over the incident, which occurred on December 27, 2023.
JOHESU/AHPA highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare workers across the country, stressing that the persistent kidnappings undermined healthcare delivery to citizens.
It described the trend as “dangerous”, urging 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.