The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria has condemned the murder of a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr Andrew Orovwigho, demanding justice and compensation for his family.
The association stated that Orovwigho was kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, shot, and dumped in a sand evacuation site, where he was found on December 31, 2025, and later died on January 2, 2026.
In a statement signed by the APN President, Dr Veronica Nyamali, and the Secretary-General, Prof Kingsley Okonoda, the association described the incident as a direct assault on the medical profession and the Nigerian healthcare system.
The association stated that on the night of the incident, Orovwigho had gone to visit a family friend within the Enugu metropolis when he received a call requesting that he return home to attend to what appeared to be a private patient.
The statement noted that upon arriving at his residence, he was accosted by three armed men in a tricycle, shot in the left knee, and forcibly taken away in his own vehicle.
It added that the attackers allegedly contacted a member of the household he had visited earlier, claiming they had been paid to kill him.
It stated, “In his usual characteristic manner of giving priority to patients’ care, he excused himself, promising to return shortly. Upon arriving at his residence, he was accosted by three armed men in a tricycle. He was shot in the left knee. They inflicted more injuries on him and left him in his own pool of blood.
He was forcibly taken away in his own vehicle and dumped inside a sand evacuation site far from Enugu town to die.
“Reports indicate that he subsequently sustained further gunshot wounds and injuries to his shoulder, forearm and right lower limb from his attackers. The attackers allegedly contacted a member of the household he had visited earlier, claiming they had been paid to kill him.”
The statement further revealed that a sand loader discovered him in the early hours of the morning and alerted nearby security personnel, adding that he was rushed to a hospital where he was conscious and able to speak.
The association stated that he received emergency treatment and was resuscitated on December 31, 2025, but died on January 2, 2026, while medical attention was being given to him.
“In a tragic turn of events, he remained alive until the early hours of the morning, when a sand loader discovered him and alerted nearby security personnel. He was rushed to a hospital and was conscious and able to speak at the time. He received emergency treatment and was resuscitated on 31 December 2025.
“On 2 January 2026, while medical attention was still being given to him, he gave up the ghost, throwing psychiatrists in Nigeria into mourning. Just like that, we lost him,” the statement read.
Describing Orovwigho as a brilliant and passionate psychiatrist deeply committed to patient care, teaching, mentorship, and professional excellence, the association stated that his loss is not only personal but professional, adding that it is a colossal blow to the mental health community in Nigeria.
The statement noted that Orovwigho had the opportunity to relocate abroad like many others but his love for his community and belief in Nigeria held him back.
It stated, “He was an asset to our profession, a vibrant and jovial colleague, full of promise and lofty dreams for his family and for psychiatry in Nigeria. Those dreams were tragically extinguished.”
The association noted that there are barely 150 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million Nigerians, adding that the mental health workforce in the country is already critically understaffed.
It warned that the recurring pattern of violence against healthcare workers across the country is alarming and unacceptable, stressing that physical aggression against doctors and health workers is unlawful and dangerous.
The association stated, “This reprehensible act is not only a violation of natural justice, it is a direct assault on the medical profession and the Nigerian healthcare system. Psychiatrists in Nigeria cannot and will not tolerate the murder of our members.”
The APN called on all relevant authorities in Enugu State to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay.
It demanded adequate compensation and support for the bereaved family, as well as immediate and comprehensive strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture to safeguard healthcare professionals and citizens alike.
The association warned that failure to meet these demands will compel it to take all legitimate and lawful actions necessary to protect its members and defend the sanctity of psychiatric practice in Nigeria.
APN appreciated the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, for swiftly convening a security meeting on the matter, particularly the Enugu State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association for their prompt mobilisation, investigation, and engagement of the Department of State Services and the State Police Command.
The association also commended the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, for their efforts in seeking clarity and justice in the matter.
It stated, “This matter is not closed. We will not relent until justice is secured for our brutally murdered colleague and appropriate compensation provided to his family.”
Healthwise reports that data obtained from a group of international nongovernmental organisations working to protect health workers, Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition revealed that 109 workers were kidnapped and 17 killed between 2019 and 2023.
Several health workers, including nurses and doctors, have also been killed between 2025 and the first few months of 2026, rekindling calls by medical associations and Nigerians for justice and urgent action to curb insecurity.