A neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Dr Mbanugo, who was abducted last Thursday, has regained freedom.
The medical specialist was seized at the front of the Uruagu Nnewi hospital on the evening of 30 October 2025.
Confirming the development on Tuesday night, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Anambra State, Dr Princeton Okam, said the doctor was released earlier in the day — just as the association’s 72-hour ultimatum to the state government was set to expire.
The NMA had threatened a total shutdown of medical services across Anambra if the doctor was not recovered unharmed.
“We just finished a meeting and if the doctor had not been released, all doctors would have shut down.
“But, fortunately, we got a call from those who have been in contact with the kidnappers, that he has been released.
“I have also been able to speak to him and ascertain that he is stable,” Okam said.
Okam further revealed that the abductors demanded N100 million as ransom, confirming that payment was made to secure the doctor’s release, although he declined to disclose the actual amount for security reasons.
He expressed deep concern over rising attacks on health workers, saying those who offer critical services — and are already poorly paid — are increasingly being targeted.
“It’s worrisome that medical doctors, who are essential services providers, would be targeted by kidnappers, saying that medical doctors are not well-paid to be targeted.
“If people we are saving are against us, then what is the point? The kidnappers are human beings and they have relatives, who we attend to on a daily basis.
“So, they should leave us alone! We don’t have any money for ransom. How much are we paid that we will be targeted by criminals.
“Many doctors are leaving the shores of this country because of the very poor pay. So, those of us, who are sacrificing to stay back must be spared by these criminals,” he said.
He urged the state government to strengthen security, particularly for medical personnel who often respond to emergencies at night.
“We get duty calls very late in the night, does it mean we can no longer honour such calls?
“We want a secure environment so that everyone can go about their legitimate businesses,” he added.
