Gunmen abducted a consultant neurosurgeon, Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, who works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
The incident was confirmed and condemned by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, who described it as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
The government expressed deep concern about the incident in a statement signed by Dr. Iziaq Salako, the minister of state for health and social welfare.
After undergoing a number of complex neurosurgical procedures, NAUTH reports that the doctor had been attacked in Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi.
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Before the kidnapping, the ministry revealed that he had performed numerous crucial tasks, including removing a challenging brain tumor, which had saved numerous lives.
The abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo has caused the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to be deeply concerned.
His abduction occurred when he should have been at his safest, the statement read, “Returning home from serving humanity,” the statement read.
The abductors later contacted some of Dr. Mbanugo’s colleagues via his phone, according to the Ministry.
The State Vigilante Group, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, the Department of State Services, and the Anambra State Police Command have all received information about the incident.
According to the ministry, NAUTH management is working with security forces, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other interested parties to ensure his safe return.
Dr. Salako referred to the incident as a significant threat to Nigeria’s already constrained health system.
With a population of over 220 million, Nigeria has fewer than 150 neurosurgeons practicing there.
He claimed that Nigeria has about one neurosurgeon for every 1.9 million citizens, compared to the WHO’s recommendation of one per 100,000 people.
He argued that an attack on a medical professional “a direct assault on the nation’s health security and collective wellbeing.”
The Ministry criticized healthcare workers as “national assets working under enormous pressure to save lives,” and referred to them as “national assets working under immense pressure to save lives.”
They must be respected and protected, Salako remarked. They shouldn’t be attacked or hunted.
He demanded that Dr. Mbanugo’s search for him and all security personnel increase and secure his immediate, unconditional release.
Source: Channels TV
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