Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporters News
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed deep concern over the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, who was kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
According to reports from the hospital, Dr. Mbanugo was attacked near Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after performing several high-risk brain surgeries, including the resection of a complex tumour earlier that day.
The Ministry described the incident as a “distressing act of violence against a national health asset,” stressing that Dr. Mbanugo’s abduction occurred after a day of selfless service to humanity.
Following the attack, the abductors reportedly used the doctor’s phone to contact some of his colleagues. The matter has since been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups. The management of NAUTH is said to be working closely with law enforcement agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other stakeholders to ensure his safe return.
Highlighting the severe shortage of neurosurgeons in Nigeria, the Ministry noted that the country has fewer than 150 practising specialists serving a population of over 220 million people, far below the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 citizens.
“An attack on one specialist doctor is a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing,” said Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
The Ministry strongly condemned the kidnapping and any form of violence against healthcare workers, emphasizing that doctors, nurses, and allied professionals are “national assets working under immense pressure to save lives.”
It called on the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his immediate and safe release — unharmed and unconditionally.
“We stand in solidarity with his family, colleagues, the management of NAUTH, the neurosurgical community, and the entire health sector at this painful time,” the Ministry stated, reaffirming its commitment to the protection and welfare of healthcare workers across Nigeria.
By Stone Reporters News
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