Gunmen have abducted a consultant neurosurgeon, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, who works with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the incident, condemning it as a deeply distressing and unacceptable act.
In a statement issued by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, the ministry expressed grave concern over the abduction, describing it as a disturbing attack on the nation’s medical workforce.
According to reports from NAUTH, Dr Mbanugo was kidnapped around Omatha Junction in Uruagu, Nnewi, shortly after completing a series of delicate neurosurgical operations.
The ministry revealed that the surgeon had just finished performing several life-saving procedures, including the removal of a complex brain tumour.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare expresses profound concern over the kidnapping of Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo.
“His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest — returning home from serving humanity,” the statement read.
Authorities said the kidnappers later contacted some of Dr Mbanugo’s colleagues using his mobile phone.
The case has been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and local vigilante operatives.
The ministry noted that NAUTH management is working closely with law enforcement agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other relevant bodies to ensure the neurosurgeon’s safe release.
Dr Salako described the abduction as a severe blow to Nigeria’s already overstretched health sector.
“Nigeria has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons for a population exceeding 220 million.
“Against the WHO benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has about one per 1.9 million citizens,” he said.
He stressed that attacks on healthcare professionals represent “a direct assault on the nation’s health security and collective wellbeing.”
The Ministry denounced the increasing cases of violence against medical personnel, calling them “national assets working under immense pressure to save lives.”
“They must be protected and respected, not harmed or hunted,” Salako emphasised.
He urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts to ensure Dr Mbanugo’s immediate and safe return.
“We stand firmly in solidarity with his family, colleagues, NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, the NMA, and the entire health sector at this painful time,” the statement concluded.
