A consultant neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, has been reportedly abducted by gunmen in Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, has sparked outrage within the medical community and drawn strong condemnation from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to reports from NAUTH, Dr. Mbanugo was attacked shortly after performing several complex neurosurgical operations, including the removal of a life-threatening brain tumour.
In a statement signed and released to journalists on Monday, November 3, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, expressed deep concern over the abduction, describing it as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
“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.
The ministry confirmed that the abductors later contacted some of the neurosurgeon’s colleagues using his mobile phone.
The matter has been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the State Vigilante Group.
According to the ministry, NAUTH management is working closely with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure Dr. Mbanugo’s safe return.
Dr. Salako described the abduction as a grave threat to Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
“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 stated.
He stressed that any attack on a medical specialist “is a direct assault on the nation’s health security and collective well-being.”
The Minister condemned all forms of violence against healthcare professionals, describing them as “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 all security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the abducted neurosurgeon and ensure his immediate, unconditional release.
The ministry also reaffirmed its support for the neurosurgeon’s family, colleagues, and the broader medical community, pledging continued collaboration until Dr. Mbanugo regains his freedom.
“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.
