The killing of a consultant neuro-psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Enugu, Dr Andrew Orovwigho, has sparked outrage and renewed fears over the worsening security situation for medical professionals in Nigeria.
Dr Orovwigho was abducted by unknown gunmen on December 30, 2025, in front of his residence in Enugu State. During the abduction, he was reportedly shot by his attackers before being taken away to an undisclosed location.
After spending two days in captivity, the assailants released him on January 1, 2026. However, shortly after regaining his freedom, the doctor was allegedly attacked again by suspected armed men in circumstances that remain unclear.
According to sources familiar with the incident, Dr Orovwigho was shot a second time and left by the roadside. He was later discovered by a passerby who rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he received emergency medical attention.
Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, the consultant psychiatrist died from complications arising from the gunshot injuries on January 2, 2026.
Colleagues and associates have described Dr Orovwigho as a committed and compassionate mental health professional whose death has deeply shaken the medical community in Enugu State and beyond, especially amid increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in the region.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State chapter, Dr Sunny Ken Okafor, said the association has scheduled an emergency meeting for next Wednesday. He explained that the meeting will focus on the killing of Dr Orovwigho and the growing security threats faced by doctors and other healthcare workers.
Medical practitioners across the country have continued to raise concerns about what they describe as an increasingly unsafe and hostile working environment, calling on the government and security agencies to urgently address the rising violence against health workers.
