By Ikeugonna Eleke
Kidnapped neurosurgeon, Dr. Cornelius Onuigbo, who was taken by gunmen on Tuesday night, January 21, while entering his home in Nnewi, near Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, has been released.
In the midst of the news of his release, medical doctors practicing in Anambra State have cried out, saying they had become targets of kidnappers operating in the state
It was gathered that the kidnappers contacted Dr. Onuigbo’s family initially, demanding a ransom of N50 million, but later reduced it to N10 million after intense negotiations. It was however not certain what was paid as ransom for his freedom.
The Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Chukwuemeka Princeton Okam, while reacting to the release, said medical doctors had become endangered species in Anambra, as some of their members had been targeted for abduction.
Dr. Okam noted, ‘Nobody is safe. These criminals may have known him or it could have been a coincidence, but the fact remains that doctors are becoming endangered species in this state.
‘This incident underscores the growing challenges of insecurity in Nigeria and its impact on vital sectors such as healthcare. The frequent targeting of medical professionals could lead to a mass exodus of doctors from Anambra State, further straining the already fragile Healthcare System.
‘We are relieved and thankful that Dr. Onuigbo has been released. However, this incident is a reminder of the insecurity we face daily. Doctors and other professionals are increasingly becoming targets of these criminal elements,’ Dr. Okam said.
