By Muhammad Amaan
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako has expressed concern over the abduction of Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, who was abducted by unknown gunmen on Thursday, October 30 in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Dr Mbanugo was abducted around the Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra state while on his way home after an intensive day in the operating theatre of the NAUTH.
It was reported that earlier the 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.
A statement issued by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Salako, said “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 some of his colleagues.”
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that the matter has since been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the State Vigilante structures.
“The management of NAUTH is actively collaborating with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association and relevant stakeholders to expedite his safe return,” the statement added.
Nigeria currently has less than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people. Against the World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has approximately one 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 wellbeing,” Dr Salako added.
The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Health strongly condemns the 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.
“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.
“We stand firmly in solidarity with his family, colleagues, NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, the NMA and the entire health sector at this painful time. The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the safety and security of health workers across Nigeria,” he added.
