The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the abduction of Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, describing the incident as “an attack on our already fragile healthcare system.”

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi lamented the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, which he said has turned the nation into “one of the most insecure places in the world,” while calling on the Federal Government to engage the American government through diplomatic channels and other means to help contain the escalating crisis.

Obi wrote: “While still urging our government to engage the American government, through diplomatic means and otherwise, in helping us contain the rising wave of insecurity ravaging our nation, I wish once again to draw attention to areas that require our immediate and collective action.”

He decried the abduction of Dr Mbanugo, who was reportedly kidnapped shortly after completing a demanding day in the operating theatre, where he had successfully performed a complex brain tumour surgery.

According to Obi, “The kidnapping of Dr Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, shortly after an intensive day of saving lives in the operating theatre, including the successful removal of a complex brain tumour, is deeply worrisome.”

He stressed that the incident represents not just an assault on one individual but a direct blow to the nation’s healthcare system and the millions of Nigerians who depend on the commitment of a dwindling number of medical specialists.

“His abduction is not just an attack on one man; it is an attack on our already fragile healthcare system, and on the hope of millions of Nigerians who depend on the selfless service of our few remaining specialists,” Obi emphasised.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Obi disclosed that Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, has fewer than 150 neurosurgeons, translating to about one neurosurgeon for every 1.9 million Nigerians, in stark contrast to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people.

He stated that this imbalance underscores the immense sacrifices doctors endure and the devastating impact of insecurity, which has compelled many to seek safety and better opportunities abroad.

Obi therefore called on the relevant security agencies to ensure the “safe and immediate release of Dr Tochukwu,” stressing that no nation can progress when its brightest minds live in fear.

“We must ensure the safe and immediate release of Dr Tochukwu, and I urge the security agencies to act swiftly. No nation can develop when its brightest minds live in fear. We must protect all, especially those who dedicate their lives to saving ours,” he concluded.

Peter Obi’s remarks have since sparked a wave of public sympathy for the abducted neurosurgeon and renewed calls for urgent government action to curb insecurity that continues to endanger professionals and citizens alike across the country.