The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has expressed deep concern over the abduction of Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, a consultant neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
Dr Salako, through a statement condemned the kidnap of Dr Mbanugo, who was reported taken by unknown gunmen on 30 October, around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after a long day in the operating theatre.
According to reports, the neurosurgeon had earlier performed multiple critical surgeries, including the removal of a complex brain tumour, saving lives and providing essential specialist care to patients in dire need.
His abduction, which occurred as he was leaving work, lays emphasis on the growing insecurity confronting health professionals across the country. The abductors were said to have later contacted some of his colleagues through his mobile phone. The case has since been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups.
He disclosed that the management of NAUTH is working closely with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other stakeholders to ensure Dr Mbanugo’s safe and speedy release.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Salako noted that Nigeria currently has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people, a stark contrast to the WHO recommendation of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 citizens. He stressed that this makes every specialist indispensable to the nation’s health system.
“An attack on one specialist doctor is a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing,” he said.
Salako decried the incident and reemphasised the stance of the ministry against all forms of violence targeting healthcare workers while stating that doctors, nurses, and allied professionals are national assets who deserve protection and respect for their selfless service.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare therefore called on the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and secure Dr Mbanugo’s immediate and unconditional release.
“We stand in solidarity with his family, colleagues, NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, the NMA, and the entire health sector at this painful time,” he said also reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of health workers nationwide.
