Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has expressed deep concern over the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, describing the incident as a grave threat to Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.
Dr. Mbanugo was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday, October 30, 2025, around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after performing a series of complex neurosurgical operations.
According to reports from the hospital, the medical specialist had just completed several life-saving brain surgeries before the attack.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the ministry condemned the act as “an assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to collective wellbeing,” urging security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure his “immediate and safe release, unharmed and unconditionally.”
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The statement revealed that contact had been established by the abductors through the doctor’s phone to some of his colleagues.
The matter has since been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups. The management of NAUTH, alongside the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), is said to be working closely with law enforcement to secure his freedom.
Highlighting Nigeria’s shortage of specialist doctors, the Ministry noted that the country has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons for a population exceeding 220 million, far below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people.
“Every specialist we have is invaluable. To attack one is to weaken the entire system that safeguards the nation’s health,” Dr. Salako stated, adding that health workers must be “protected and respected, not harmed or hunted.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its solidarity with Dr. Mbanugo’s family, colleagues, the NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, and the wider health sector, while pledging continued efforts to enhance the safety and welfare of medical personnel nationwide.
Authorities in Anambra have yet to issue an official update on the incident as rescue operations continue.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
