The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) has condemned the brutal killing of a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr Andrew Orovwigho, describing it as a direct attack on the medical profession and Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
In a statement jointly signed by the APN President, Dr Veronica Nyamali, and Secretary-General, Prof Kingsley Okonoda, the association demanded immediate justice for the slain doctor and adequate compensation for his bereaved family.
According to the statement, Orovwigho was kidnapped from his residence on December 30, 2025, after being lured home by a call requesting his attention for what appeared to be a private patient. Earlier that evening, he had visited a family friend within Enugu metropolis but excused himself, as was his custom, to prioritise patient care.
On arriving at his residence, he was reportedly ambushed by three armed men operating in a tricycle. The attackers shot him in the left knee, inflicted additional injuries, and forcefully took him away in his own vehicle. He was later dumped at a sand evacuation site on the outskirts of Enugu and left to die.
The association disclosed that the assailants allegedly contacted a member of the household he had earlier visited, claiming they had been paid to kill him. Reports further indicated that he sustained additional gunshot wounds and injuries to his shoulder, forearm and right lower limb during the attack.
In what the association described as a tragic twist, a sand loader discovered Orovwigho in the early hours of December 31, 2025, and alerted security operatives. He was rushed to hospital, conscious and able to speak, where he received emergency treatment and was resuscitated. However, despite efforts by medical personnel, he died on January 2, 2026, while still under care.
“Just like that, we lost him,” the statement read, noting that his death has thrown psychiatrists across the country into mourning.
The APN described Orovwigho as a brilliant, passionate and dedicated psychiatrist who was deeply committed to patient care, teaching, mentorship and professional excellence. It lamented that although he had opportunities to relocate abroad like many colleagues, his love for his community and belief in Nigeria made him stay.
“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 stated.
The body stressed that Nigeria has fewer than 150 practising psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million people, warning that the mental health workforce is already critically overstretched. It described the recurring violence against healthcare workers as alarming, unlawful and unacceptable.
“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 statement added.
The APN called on authorities in Enugu State to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly identified, apprehended and prosecuted. It also demanded comprehensive strengthening of the country’s security architecture to better protect healthcare professionals and citizens.
The association warned that failure to secure justice and provide adequate support for the family would compel it to take all legitimate and lawful measures necessary to defend its members and the integrity of psychiatric practice in Nigeria.
While commending Peter Mbah for convening a security meeting on the matter, the APN also appreciated the prompt mobilisation by the Enugu State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, as well as the involvement of the Department of State Services, the State Police Command and the hospital management.
“This matter is not closed,” the association declared. “We will not relent until justice is secured for our brutally murdered colleague and appropriate compensation provided to his family.”
