The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) has condemned the killing of a consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr Andrew Orovwigho, and demanded justice and compensation for his family.
In a statement signed by the APN President, Dr Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamali, and the Secretary General, Prof Kingsley Mayowa Okonoda, on Monday, the association said it began 2026 with the devastating news of the gruesome murder.
It stated that Orovwigho was kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, and was found where he was dumped the next day, December 31, 2025.
The association said he was taken to the hospital on the same day but died on January 2, 2026.
“We are left asking: who could perpetrate such a heinous act?” the association
APN described the late consultant as a brilliant and passionate Psychiatrist, deeply committed to patient care, teaching, mentorship, and professional excellence, adding that his loss is not only personal but professional.
Giving details of what happened, the association said Orovwigho had visited a family friend within the Enugu metropolis, about 30 minutes from his home, when he received a call asking him to return home to attend to what appeared to be a private patient.
“In his usual characteristic manner of giving priority to patients’ care, he excused himself, promising to return shortly,” it said.
The association alleged that when he arrived at his residence, “he was accosted by three armed men in a tricycle.”
It added, “He was shot in the left knee, they inflicted more injuries on him and left him in his own pool of blood, forcibly taken away in his own vehicle and dumped inside a sand evacuation site far from Enugu town to die.”
It said, “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.”
The association said he was rushed to the hospital, conscious and able to speak, and received emergency treatment and resuscitation on December 31, 2025.
It added that he later died on January 2, 2026.
Reacting to the incident, APN said the profession was under threat, stressing that “we are barely 150 Psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million Nigerians.”
It warned that the mental health workforce was already critically understaffed, as many doctors were leaving due to insecurity and poor working conditions.
“Why should any of us be killed in such a barbaric manner?” it asked.
APN said, “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.”
It added, “Psychiatrists in Nigeria cannot and will not tolerate the murder of our members. This crime must not be met with silence or indifference.”
The association demanded that authorities in Enugu State ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted, saying, “We call on all relevant authorities in Enugu State to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay.”
It also demanded support for the family, stating, “We demand adequate compensation and support for the bereaved family left behind under such tragic circumstances.”
APN further called for improved security, saying, “We demand an immediate and comprehensive strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture to safeguard healthcare professionals and citizens alike.”
