News reaching us this morning confirms that Dr. Onuigbo has been released, much to the relief of his family, colleagues, and the medical community.
Dr. Onuigbo was kidnapped in front of his residence at Uruagu, along the Nnewi-Orba Road, just as he was attempting to enter his compound. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen, who had been monitoring his movements, swiftly double-crossed him and forcibly took him away in their vehicle.
According to a family friend, the abduction unfolded in seconds, leaving his family and neighbors in a state of shock and helplessness.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted Dr. Onuigbo’s family, initially demanding a ransom of N50 million. After intense negotiations and pleas from the family, the demand was reduced to N10 million.
“They first asked for N50 million, but after pleading and explaining our situation, they came down to N10 million. Even at that, it was difficult for us to gather the money,” a close family friend had said during the ordeal.
Although it remains unclear whether the full ransom amount was paid, the family confirmed this morning that Dr. Onuigbo has been safely released.
The news of Dr. Onuigbo’s release has brought relief to the medical community in Anambra State, which had been on edge following the abduction. The Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Chukwuemeka Princeton Okam, expressed gratitude for the safe return of their colleague while reiterating concerns about the targeting of medical professionals in the state.
“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.
He urged the state government to prioritize security and ensure the protection of all citizens, adding that many doctors have received threat calls in recent weeks.
The kidnapping of Dr. Onuigbo is the latest in a series of abductions in Anambra State, raising concerns about the worsening security situation. Residents and security experts speculate that the doctor may have been specifically targeted, though the possibility of a random attack has not been ruled out.
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.
Additionally, the financial and emotional toll of such incidents on families cannot be overstated. Families often find themselves negotiating with criminals and scrambling to raise large sums of money, as was the case with Dr. Onuigbo’s family.
Dr. Onuigbo’s release is a welcome relief, but it also serves as a wake-up call for authorities to take decisive action against the menace of kidnapping and insecurity. Security agencies in the state have reportedly launched investigations into the incident, with hopes of apprehending the culprits and preventing future occurrences.
For now, Dr. Onuigbo’s family and colleagues are celebrating his safe return while continuing to call for improved security measures to protect all citizens, particularly those in high-risk professions.
AT REPORTERS
