The Federal Ministry of Well being and Social Welfare has expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of Tochukwu Mbanugo, a guide neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe College Instructing Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
In keeping with an announcement signed by Iziaq Salako on Sunday, Mr Mbanugo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday, 30 October 2025, across the Omatha Junction in Uruagu, Nnewi, whereas returning house after an extended day within the working theatre.
Earlier that day, the ministry famous, the neurosurgeon had carried out a number of advanced surgical procedures, together with the resection of a mind tumour, saving the lives of critically ailing sufferers.
“His abduction occurred on the very level the place he ought to have been most secure, returning house from serving humanity,” the assertion learn.
It added that contact was later established by the abductors utilizing the physician’s cellphone to succeed in a few of his colleagues.
The incident has been formally reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Division of State Companies (DSS), the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and native vigilante teams.
The ministry additionally highlighted the extreme scarcity of neurosurgeons within the nation.
It famous that Nigeria has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving over 220 million individuals, a ratio of 1 neurosurgeon to 1.9 million residents, far beneath the World Well being Organisation (WHO) benchmark of 1 per 100,000 individuals.
Rescue efforts
In keeping with the assertion, the administration of NAUTH is collaborating with safety businesses, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and different stakeholders to make sure his secure return.
The ministry strongly condemned the incident and all types of violence in opposition to healthcare employees, describing them as nationwide belongings who should be protected and revered.
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It urged the Anambra State authorities and all related safety businesses to accentuate efforts towards finding Mr Mbanugo and guaranteeing his fast and secure launch, unhurt and unconditionally.
“We stand firmly in solidarity along with his household, colleagues, NAUTH administration, the neurosurgical group, the NMA, and the complete well being sector at this painful time.”
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