By BARBARA KALU, Awka –
Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and security agencies, demanding the immediate release of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a consultant neurosurgeon kidnapped on October 30.
In a communiqué jointly signed by Dr. Princeston Okam, Chairman, and Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, Secretary, after an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held on Saturday, the association condemned the abduction and urged authorities to act swiftly.
According to the NMA, Dr. Mbanugo, who works with the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, was seized by gunmen in front of his private hospital at Uruagu, Nnewi, on the evening of the incident. The group lamented that, as of the meeting’s conclusion, the kidnappers had yet to contact his family, friends, or colleagues.
> “A 72-hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra government to secure the immediate release of our colleague, Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo,”
the communiqué stated.
The NMA warned that if the deadline expires without progress, doctors across Anambra would embark on an indefinite strike.
> “If at the expiration of the above timeline our member’s release is not secured, all doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA will down tools until our member is released,” it added.
The association announced plans to convene another emergency meeting within the three-day window to assess developments and determine further actions.
While urging its members to remain committed to providing quality healthcare despite ongoing security concerns, the NMA emphasized that the safety of medical professionals must not be taken for granted.
The Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, was unreachable for comment, as attempts to contact him via calls and messages were unanswered at the time of reporting.
