The Federal government has expressed concerns over the abduction of Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, in Nnewi, Anambra State, describing the incident as a grave assault on Nigeria’s health security.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, in a statement on Sunday, said the abduction becomes more terrifying considering the implications on the nation’s health sector.

The Minister revealed that the country has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people, 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,” he said.

Salako described the abduction as a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to collective well-being. He said the Ministry strongly condemns this incident and every form of violence against healthcare workers, stressing that doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are national assets who must be protected and respected.

“We therefore call on the Anambra State Government and all relevant security agencies to intensify all efforts toward locating Dr Mbanugo and ensuring his immediate and safe release, unharmed and unconditionally in honour of the humanitarian service he renders to the country,” the Minister added

According to the Minister, Dr Mbanugo was attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi while returning home after performing multiple critical brain surgeries earlier in the day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH).

He said the doctor had just concluded several complex neurosurgical operations, including the resection of a brain tumour, before being abducted.

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

According to reports from the hospital, contact was later established by the abductors through Dr Mbanugo’s phone with some of his colleagues.

The incident has been formally reported to the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante structures, the said in the statement.

Salako said the management of NAUTH is actively collaborating with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association and other stakeholders to ensure the doctor’s safe and immediate release. (THE NATION)