The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has condemned the abduction of a consultant neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Anambra State, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo.
Mbanugo was kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra State shortly after performing a life-saving brain surgery as he was reportedly attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, on Thursday, October 30, while driving home.
Following the incident, the Nigeria Medical Association, Anambra branch, threatened to down tools on Saturday if Dr Mbanugo is not released in 72 hours.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry in a Sunday 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.”
He further lamented that the attack was particularly distressing as Nigeria is running short of neurosurgeons.
He added; “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.”
He further stated that 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,” he said.
“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.
