Mrs. Musiliat Olawale remained hopeful throughout the 10 months her daughter, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, was in captivity. Despite her unwavering faith, the elderly mother experienced heart-wrenching moments as her daughter shared the harsh conditions she faced while abducted. Dr. Popoola, who works as a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna State, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy. In the midst of numerous threats from the kidnappers, the Olawale family sustained their hope through relentless prayers and a strong belief that God would ultimately reunite them with their loved ones.
After intense negotiations, Nurudeen and Abdul-Mugniy were released earlier in 2024, but Dr. Ganiyat remained captive until her release on October 30, 2024. During her captivity, the family faced various forms of distress, particularly during the phone calls from Dr. Popoola, where she sometimes reported starvation. The emotional burden deepened for Mrs. Olawale as she managed the fear and sorrow that accompanied each communication from her daughter. Nonetheless, prayer served as a critical lifeline for the family, reinforcing their hope in a resolution and a safe return home for Ganiyat.
In the aftermath of her release, Dr. Ganiyat is currently recovering and undergoing medical treatment following her traumatic experience. Although the family does not have the complete details of her ordeal yet—due to her ongoing health assessments—they are grateful for her return and the role that prayers, community support, and governmental intervention played in facilitating her freedom. Mrs. Olawale noted that during the time of her daughter’s captivity, the kidnappers occasionally allowed family contact, which provided brief moments of reassurance amidst immense anxiety.
Addressing whether a ransom was paid for her daughter’s release, Mrs. Olawale confirmed that, according to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, no ransom was involved for Dr. Ganiyat’s freedom. There was, however, an initial payment made to secure the release of her husband. This distinction between financial transactions highlights a broader context of abduction practices within the region, where families often find themselves at the mercy of negotiating for their loved ones’ safety. The Olawales are thankful for cooperative efforts from the government but stress the critical need for broader security improvements to prevent further incidents of kidnapping.
Olawale has been vocal about her concerns regarding the safety of Nigerians, urging the government to intensify security measures nationwide. She believes that the current security apparatus was insufficient when her family faced the kidnapping incident, thus allowing such crimes to occur. The call for more comprehensive and proactive security strategies is anchored in her experience, as well as her belief that addressing unemployment would reduce the appeal of such crimes. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” she articulated, emphasizing the need for job creation to provide opportunities for individuals who may resort to abduction out of desperation.
Ultimately, while the harrowing experience of captivity has deeply affected the Olawale family, their hope and resilience remain steadfast. Their story not only underscores the personal suffering linked to abduction but also sheds light on larger societal issues like security and economic stability in Nigeria. As Dr. Ganiyat Popoola begins her journey of recovery, her family is focused on advocating for systemic changes that can alleviate the threats posed by kidnappers and ensure that no other family has to endure a similar ordeal.
