Metro
Gunmen strike in Anambra, abduct prominent Neurosurgeon
Gunmen have kidnapped Tochukwu Mbanugo, a consultant neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
Very Nigerian reports that Mbanugo was abducted on October 30, 2025, along the New Nnewi-Oba Road while returning home after a long day in the operating theatre.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Health expressed deep concern over the abduction, describing it as “a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing.”
“His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest: returning home from serving humanity,” the statement read.
The statement, signed by Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, confirmed that the abductors had reached out to some of the victim’s colleagues through his phone.
Salako noted that the incident has been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the local vigilante group.
“The management of NAUTH is actively collaborating with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association, and relevant stakeholders to expedite his safe return,” the minister said.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Salako revealed that Nigeria currently has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving over 220 million people, a stark contrast to the World Health Organization’s benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 citizens.
“This makes every specialist invaluable. An attack on one specialist doctor is a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing,” he added.
The minister also called on the Anambra State Government and all security agencies to “intensify efforts toward locating Dr. Mbanugo and ensuring his immediate and safe release, unharmed and unconditionally.”
Follow Us on Google Discover
Tension as traditional ruler collapses, dies in Ondo
2027: Kwankwaso a goat in sheep’s clothing, secretly working for Tinubu – Atiku Campaign Council
DSS arrests Maina’s fugitive son in Abuja, hands him over to EFCC
2027: Step down if you are not working for Tinubu – Deji Adeyanju dares Obi, Kwankwaso
2027: ‘I wont join my Uncle to support Tinubu’ – Davido says
Enugu NYSC death: NAFDAC debunks claims linking corps members death to fake drugs
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
2027: ‘Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people’ – Wike warns Rivers voters against Atiku, Amaechi, Obi
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
‘You Betrayed Osun People’ — Adeleke, Davido face backlash over support for Tinubu
Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
JUST IN: Finnish Appeal Court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years, upholds terrorism conviction
Zamfara govt set to empower 36,176 residents with Dangote shares
Over 10 soldiers, four civilians feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno military base
‘I love Islam, I’ve sent people to Mecca to pray for me, Nigeria for 25 years’ – Akpabio
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
Umahi reopens first Niger bridge after emergency repairs, displays Tinubu’s photos
Panic in Rivers community as pipeline explosion injures 20, razes over 50 houses
Tension escalates as thugs attack NDC secretariat in Edo, destroy properties
‘Local champion’ – Donald Duke takes fresh swipe at Gov Diri over Lagos-Calabar coastal highway
Lagos govt announces 3-day traffic diversion on Independence bridge for emergency repairs
