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.”
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