A neurosurgeon at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi, Anambra State, Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, has been released following his kidnapping last week.
Mbanugo was abducted on the evening of Thursday, October 30, 2025, in front of the hospital at Uruagu, Nnewi.
His release was confirmed on Tuesday night by the State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Princeton Okam, who said the neurosurgeon was freed just as the ultimatum given to the State Government was about to expire.
The Anambra branch of the NMA had on Sunday issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the State Government, warning of a total shutdown of health services if Dr. Mbanugo was not secured.
Okam said, “We just finished a meeting and if the doctor had not been released, all doctors would have shut down. But, fortunately, we got a call from those who have been in contact with the kidnappers, that he has been released. I have also been able to speak to him and ascertain that he is stable.”
He revealed that the kidnappers had demanded N100 million as ransom, which was paid prior to Mbanugo’s release, but declined to disclose the exact amount citing security reasons.
Okam expressed concern over the increasing targeting of medical personnel, who provide essential services despite being underpaid.
“It’s worrisome that medical doctors, who are essential services providers, would be targeted by kidnappers, saying that medical doctors are not well-paid to be targeted. If people we are saving are against us, then what is the point? The kidnappers are human beings and they have relatives, who we attend to on a daily basis. So, they should leave us alone! We don’t have any money for ransom. How much are we paid that we will be targeted by criminals? Many doctors are leaving the shores of this country because of the very poor pay. So, those of us, who are sacrificing to stay back must be spared by these criminals.”
The NMA chairman also urged the government to intensify efforts to protect the lives and property of residents, especially medical doctors and other essential service providers.
He added, “We get duty calls very late in the night, does it mean we can no longer honour such calls? We want a secure environment so that everyone can go about their legitimate businesses.”
