The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Sunday condemned the abduction of a consultant neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeris, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, who was kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra State shortly after performing a life-saving brain surgery.
Dr Mbanugo was reportedly attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, on Thursday, October 30, while driving home after an intensive day in surgery.
The incident has renewed discussions within the medical community about the need to improve the safety and welfare of health workers in the country.
On Saturday, the Nigeria Medical Association, Anambra branch, threatened to down tools if Dr Mbanugo is not released in 72 hours.
The Ministry, in a statement signed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, described the incident as a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to the collective well-being of Nigerians.
Salako said, “Earlier that same day, he had performed multiple critical neurosurgical procedures, including the resection of a complex brain tumour, saving lives and delivering highly specialised care to Nigerians in need.
“His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest: returning home from serving humanity.
The Ministry has also been informed that subsequent contact was later established by the abductors through his phone to friends of his colleagues.”
The minister lamented that the attack was particularly distressing given Nigeria’s severe shortage of neurosurgeons.
Nigeria currently has less than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people.
“Against the WHO benchmark of 1 neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has approximately 1 neurosurgeon per 1.9 million citizens.
“This makes every specialist we have invaluable. An attack on one specialist doctor is a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective well-being.”
Salako said the Federal Ministry of Health “strongly condemns this incident and every form of violence against healthcare workers.
“Our health workforce — doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals — are national assets working under immense pressure to save lives. They must be protected and respected, not harmed or hunted.”
The minister disclosed that security agencies, including the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services, and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, have been notified and are working with the hospital management, the Nigerian Medical Association, and other stakeholders to secure the doctor’s release.
“We therefore call on the Anambra State Government and all relevant security agencies to intensify all efforts toward locating Dr Mbanugo and ensuring his immediate and safe release — unharmed and unconditionally — in honour of the humanitarian service he renders to the country,” Salako demanded.
He extended solidarity to the victim’s family, colleagues, NAUTH management, and the entire medical community, assuring that the government remains committed to strengthening the safety and security of health workers across the country.
PUNCH NEWS.
