By Sophia Afolabi
Dr. Andrew Orovwigho, a consultant neuro-psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Enugu, has died after being kidnapped and shot by unknown assailants, sparking renewed concern over the safety of medical professionals in Nigeria.
Investigations revealed that Dr Orovwigho was abducted in front of his residence on December 30, 2025, during which he was reportedly shot. He was released by his captors on January 1, 2026. However, in a tragic development, the doctor was allegedly attacked again shortly after regaining his freedom.
According to sources familiar with the incident, Dr Orovwigho was shot again and dumped by the roadside.
“A good Samaritan found him and rushed him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries on January 2, 2026,” one of the sources said.
Colleagues describe Dr. Orovwigho as a dedicated specialist who devoted his career to mental health care and the treatment of vulnerable patients. His death has sent shockwaves through the medical community in Enugu and beyond as kidnapping activities in Enugu State took another twist.
Although, details of the incident have remained sketchy, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State chapter, Dr Sunny Ken Okafor confirmed the unfortunate incident to coastreportersnews on the telephone.
Although he could not provide details as he was on transit, he said an emergency meeting of doctors in Enugu had been scheduled for next Wednesday, to deliberate on the incident.
Meanwhile, medical professionals have expressed growing alarm over what they described as an increasingly hostile environment for doctors and nurses across the country, with kidnappings and violent attacks becoming more frequent.
“Doctors and nurses are now endangered species,” a medical professional said. “This is frightening and unacceptable.”
Although the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu, has yet to issue an official statement, tributes have poured in from colleagues, patients, and professional bodies mourning what many describe as a devastating and preventable loss.
