By Chioma Obinna

Psychiatrists across Nigeria have on Monday declared that they will not remain silent over the gruesome killing of their colleague, Dr. Andrew Orovwigho, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, describing the incident as a direct assault on the medical profession and the nation’s fragile mental health system.

The Psychiatrists under the umbrella of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), demanded swift justice, compensation for the bereaved family, and urgent reforms to strengthen security for healthcare workers.

In a press statement signed by the APN President, Dr. Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamali, the Late Orovwigho was said to have even kidnapped from his residence in Enugu on December 30, 2025, after responding to what appeared to be a call to attend to a private patient.

He was shot multiple times, abandoned at a sand evacuation site on the outskirts of town, and later rescued alive in the early hours of December 31. Despite emergency treatment, he died on January 2, 2026.

According to the APN, the late psychiatrist had visited a family friend within Enugu metropolis on the night of the attack when he received a call requesting urgent medical attention at his home.

“In his characteristic commitment to patient care, he excused himself, promising to return shortly,” the association stated.

On arrival at his residence, he was reportedly accosted by three armed men operating in a tricycle. He was shot in the left knee and sustained further gunshot wounds to his shoulder, forearm, and lower limb before being forced into his own vehicle and driven away. He was later dumped at a sand excavation site and left in a pool of blood.

In a chilling twist, the attackers allegedly contacted a member of the household he had earlier visited, claiming they had been paid to kill him.

A sand loader reportedly discovered him alive and alerted security personnel. He was rushed to hospital and was conscious and able to speak while receiving emergency care before eventually succumbing to his injuries.

The APN President, described the killing as “a heinous and barbaric act.”

“Dr. Orovwigho was a brilliant and passionate psychiatrist, deeply committed to patient care, teaching and mentorship. His loss is not only personal but professional , a colossal blow to the mental health community in Nigeria,” she said.

She noted that the late doctor had opportunities to relocate abroad like many of his peers but chose to remain in Nigeria out of commitment to his community and belief in the nation’s future.
“Those dreams were tragically extinguished,” she added.

The association warned that the murder comes at a time when Nigeria’s mental health workforce is critically overstretched.

“We are barely 150 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million Nigerians,” the APN stated.

“Many doctors are already leaving due to insecurity and poor working conditions. Yet some of us remain committed to serving. Why should any of us be killed in such a barbaric manner?”

The body described the attack as a violation of natural justice and a dangerous trend of violence against healthcare professionals nationwide.

“This reprehensible act is a direct assault on the Nigerian healthcare system. Psychiatrists in Nigeria cannot and will not tolerate the murder of our members. This crime must not be met with silence or indifference,” the statement read.

The association called on relevant authorities in Enugu State to immediately identify, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the crime. It also demanded adequate compensation and structured support for the bereaved family left behind under such tragic circumstances.

The APN further urged the Federal and State Governments to urgently strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture to safeguard healthcare professionals and citizens alike, warning that failure to act would compel the association to pursue all lawful measures necessary to defend its members and protect psychiatric practice in the country.

The psychiatrists acknowledged that the Governor of Enugu State had convened a security meeting at the instance of the Nigerian Medical Association, particularly its Enugu State branch.

They also commended security agencies, including the DSS and the State Police Command, as well as the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, for their initial efforts.

However, they insisted that more decisive action is required.

“This matter is not closed. We will not relent until justice is secured and appropriate compensation provided to his family,” the APN declared.