An Ophthalmologist – Ganiya Oluwale Popoola, her husband and a visiting teenag guest who were abducted on December 27, 2023 have remained in kidnappers’ den.
The medic was abducted at the
National Eye Centre Staff Quarters in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State alongside her husband Nurudeen Popoola and a teenager.
The incident has troubled other members of staff residing in the quarters, many of whom have left their official residences out of uncertainties and fear of a repeat attack.
The attackers were said to have stormed the quarters at night and headed straight to the residence of the doctor, kidnapping her along with her husband, and the 16-year-old.
A resident in the quarters said although they heard the screams and noises as the bandits were busy trying to force their ways into the doctor’s apartment, they were too terrified to come out.
“When the bandits arrived at the quarters, they went straight to her residence and started hitting the door, trying to force it open. Other staff heard it but were afraid to come out.
“As we speak, since the incident, some of our staff have avoided sleeping in their flats for fear of the unknown. Some of them only come to work but hardly sleep in the quarters due to fear,” he said.
Many refer to the abducted Kaduna doctor as respectable, receptive and dedicated to her work.
He said there was no way the doctor could raise such sums demanded by the bandits, while praying for their safe release.
The bandits had reached out to the family of the Kaduna doctor, requesting N100 million as ransom for their victims, or expect outcomes that they decide.
The Kaduna State Police Command has not issued any statement on the incident since it happened.
Police spokesman in Kaduna, ASP Mansir Hassan is yet to respond to inquiries.