Posted on: Tue 04-11-2025

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has condemned the abduction of a neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, describing it as a “direct assault on Nigeria’s national health security.”

 

Dr. Mbanugo was reportedly kidnapped at Omaha Junction, Uruagu Nnewi, while returning home after performing several surgical operations at the hospital.

 

In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Salako said the abduction was particularly distressing, given its implications for the country’s already fragile health system. He noted that Nigeria has fewer than 150 practicing neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million — far below the World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people.

 

“Nigeria currently has one neurosurgeon per 1.9 million citizens, making every specialist invaluable,” the minister said. “This abduction is a direct assault on national health security and a threat to our collective well-being. We strongly condemn all forms of violence against healthcare professionals.”

 

Dr. Salako described medical personnel as “national assets who must be protected at all costs,” and called on the Anambra State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his immediate, safe, and unconditional release.

 

“His kidnapping occurred at the very point where he should have been safest — returning home after serving humanity,” he said.

 

It was gathered that the abductors have contacted some of the doctor’s colleagues using his phone, apparently to demand ransom.

 

Hospital authorities confirmed that the matter has been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups.

 

According to the minister, NAUTH management is collaborating with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other relevant stakeholders to secure the prompt and safe release of the abducted neurosurgeon.

 

Dr. Salako reiterated the federal government’s commitment to the safety of all healthcare workers, warning that repeated attacks on medical professionals could further cripple the nation’s overstretched health system.

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