Chinedum Elekwachi
A neurosurgeon working with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra state, Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, who was kidnapped last week in Nnewi, has been released.
State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr Princeton Okam confirmed the release to newsmen Tuesday night.
Recall that the state NMA, had on Sunday, given the state government 72 hours to secure the release of Dr Mbanugo or face total shutdown of health service in the state.
Mbanugo was kidnapped in front of his hospital at Uruagu Nnewi on the evening of Thursday, 30th October, 2025.
But Okam revealed that the neurosurgeon was freed on Tuesday, saying his release came at the verge of the expiration of the ultimatum they gave the state government.
“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,” Okam said.
Ransom paid
The Anambra NMA Chairman, who had earlier said the kidnappers were demanding the sum of N100million as ransom for the release of the neurosurgeon, confirmed that ransom was paid before the release of the medical doctor.
He however, refused to disclose how much was paid, citing security reasons.
Dr Okam noted that it is 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,” he said.
The Anambra NMA Chairman called on the state government to step up efforts to secure the lives and property of residents in the state, especially the medical doctors and other essential services people.
“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,”
