More details on how suspected bandits abducted a doctor, her husband, and a teenager at the National Eye Centre Staff Quarters in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State have emerged.
The incident, which happened on December 27, 2023, has instilled fear in the minds of other staff residing in the quarters.
The victim was identified as Ophthalmologist Ganiya Oluwale Popoola, while her husband was identified as Nurudeen Popoola. A visiting teenage guest in the house was also abducted.
A source at the hospital, who was a staff but preferred anonymity because he was not authorized to speak, said the bandits invaded the quarters at night and went straight to the residence of the doctor, abducting her alongside husband, and a 16-year-old.
FCTA combs tunnels, green areas for bandits’ hideouts
FCTA combs tunnels, green areas for bandits’ hideouts
He explained that some people at the quarters heard loud noises as the bandits were busy trying to force themselves into the doctor’s residence but were afraid to come out.
“What surprised us was that when the bandits arrived at the quarters, we understand 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.
He described the abducted doctor as an easy-going and hardworking colleague who always focused on her business and respected her colleagues, saying that every staff was disturbed by the abduction.
He described the incident as very unfortunate, saying the ransom said to be demanded by the bandits was outrageous because the doctor could not afford it and prayed for their safety.
Daily Trust gathered that the bandits had reached out to the family, demanding N100 million as ransom for their victims.
As of Tuesday, there was no official statement from the police command regarding the incident. The State Police Command spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, couldn’t be reached by phone.
