A consultant neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, has been kidnapped by gunmen. Reports say he was attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, on October 30, after performing several complex neurosurgical operations.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed the incident in a statement by the Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Salako, describing it as deeply troubling and a threat to the nation’s health security. The ministry said Dr Mbanugo’s abductors have contacted some of his colleagues, while the matter has been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the DSS, and other security agencies.
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According to the ministry, NAUTH management is working with the Nigerian Medical Association and security operatives to secure his release. It noted that Nigeria has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of one per 100,000 people.
Dr Salako condemned the growing attacks on healthcare workers, describing them as national assets under immense pressure to save lives. He called on the Anambra State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue Dr Mbanugo safely.
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