Health
Federal ministry of health condemns kidnapping of neurosurgeon in Anambra
Written By: Editor
02 Nov 2025 05:33 PM
Awka, Anambra – The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has issued a stern condemnation of the kidnapping of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 30, 2025, has sparked widespread concern over the safety of healthcare workers in Nigeria.
According to a press statement released by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Mbanugo was abducted by unidentified armed men near Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, as he was returning home after a grueling day in the operating theatre.
Earlier that day, the neurosurgeon had successfully performed multiple critical surgeries, including the resection of a complex brain tumor, underscoring his vital role in delivering specialized care to Nigerians.
The ministry highlighted the dire implications of the abduction, noting that Nigeria currently has fewer than 150 practicing neurosurgeons to serve a population exceeding 220 million.
This translates to approximately one neurosurgeon per 1.9 million citizens, falling far short of the World Health Organization's benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people.
The statement described the attack as "a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing."Following the kidnapping, the abductors reportedly contacted Dr. Mbanugo’s colleagues using his phone, though details of their demands remain unclear.
The matter has been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups. NAUTH management, in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other stakeholders, is working closely with security agencies to secure the doctor’s safe release.
The ministry’s statement emphasized the invaluable contribution of healthcare workers, who operate under immense pressure to save lives, and called for their protection.
It urged the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his immediate, unconditional release.
The ministry also expressed solidarity with the doctor’s family, colleagues, and the broader health community during this distressing period.
In a related development, the Anambra State chapter of the NMA has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and security agencies, demanding Dr. Mbanugo’s release.
The association has threatened to initiate a statewide strike if their colleague is not freed by the deadline, further escalating the urgency of the situation.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 30, 2025, has sparked widespread concern over the safety of healthcare workers in Nigeria.
According to a press statement released by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Mbanugo was abducted by unidentified armed men near Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, as he was returning home after a grueling day in the operating theatre.
Earlier that day, the neurosurgeon had successfully performed multiple critical surgeries, including the resection of a complex brain tumor, underscoring his vital role in delivering specialized care to Nigerians.
The ministry highlighted the dire implications of the abduction, noting that Nigeria currently has fewer than 150 practicing neurosurgeons to serve a population exceeding 220 million.
This translates to approximately one neurosurgeon per 1.9 million citizens, falling far short of the World Health Organization's benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people.
The statement described the attack as "a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing."Following the kidnapping, the abductors reportedly contacted Dr. Mbanugo’s colleagues using his phone, though details of their demands remain unclear.
The matter has been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups. NAUTH management, in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other stakeholders, is working closely with security agencies to secure the doctor’s safe release.
The ministry’s statement emphasized the invaluable contribution of healthcare workers, who operate under immense pressure to save lives, and called for their protection.
It urged the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his immediate, unconditional release.
The ministry also expressed solidarity with the doctor’s family, colleagues, and the broader health community during this distressing period.
In a related development, the Anambra State chapter of the NMA has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and security agencies, demanding Dr. Mbanugo’s release.
The association has threatened to initiate a statewide strike if their colleague is not freed by the deadline, further escalating the urgency of the situation.
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