Hundreds of patients were left stranded at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday as resident doctors embarked on a strike to protest the kidnapping of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
Patients who were unable to access medical care due to the strike expressed frustration and disappointment. Mrs. Felicia, who had traveled over 11 kilometers for an appointment, lamented, “I wasted my time and over N3,000 on transportation to get to the hospital today. Unfortunately, a woman doctor kidnapped since last year is still with her abductors. I really sympathize with her family and doctors in the country. This kidnapping is getting too much.”
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at UBTH is demanding action from the government to ensure the safe release of Dr. Popoola, who was kidnapped in 2023. Her husband was released in March 2024 after a ransom of N60 million was paid, but Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
The strike, which began on Monday, is expected to last for one week, leaving many patients without access to medical care. Patients are appealing to the doctors to consider their plight and attend to them, especially the elderly and those with critical conditions.
The kidnapping of Dr. Popoola is the latest in a series of kidnappings of medical professionals in the country, highlighting the growing concern for the safety and security of healthcare workers.
