Juliet Jacob 
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako
ABUJA, Nigeria – Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, has condemned the abduction of Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, a neurosurgeon at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, describing the incident as “a direct assault on Nigeria’s national health security.”
Dr Mbanugo was kidnapped at Omaha Junction, Uruagu Nnewi, last week while returning home after carrying out multiple surgeries.
In a statement on Sunday, Salako said the attack was distressing and dangerous, considering Nigeria’s critical shortage of neurosurgeons.
Nigeria currently has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people. Salako noted the urgent implications: “Nigeria currently has one neurosurgeon per 1.9 million citizens, making every specialist invaluable.
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,” he said.
The minister urged security agencies and the Anambra State Government to intensify rescue efforts to secure the doctor’s “immediate, safe, and unconditional release.”
He emphasised that Dr Mbanugo was targeted precisely “at the moment he should have been safest — returning home after serving humanity.”
Hospital authorities said the abductors have contacted colleagues using the doctor’s phone, indicating a ransom demand.
The case has been reported to the Police, DSS, and other security units. The Nigerian Medical Association and NAUTH management are coordinating efforts to ensure his safe return.
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Mirian Gom 
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