BY NGOZI ONYEAKUSI

The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) began the year 2026 with the devastating news of the gruesome murder of our colleague, Dr. Andrew Orovwigho, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu (FNHE). Dr. Orovwigho was kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday, 30th December 2025. He was found where he was dumped on the 31st of December, 2025 (the eve of a new year when hope and renewal should prevail) – his life was violently cut short by unknown assailants . taken to the Hospital the same day; he died on the second of January, 2026.. We are left asking: who could perpetrate such a heinous act? Dr. Orovwigho was a brilliant and passionate Psychiatrist, deeply committed to patient care, teaching, mentorship, and professional excellence. He embodied optimism, integrity, and dedication. His loss is not only personal but professional—a colossal blow to the mental health community in Nigeria. 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. He had the opportunity to relocate abroad like many others have done but his love of his Community and his belief in the “Project Nigeria” held him back. Those dreams were tragically extinguished.
We stand firmly in solidarity with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and friends during this painful time.
Circumstances surrounding the Attack
On the night of the incident, Dr. Orovwigho had gone to visit a family friend within the Enugu metropolis, approximately 30 minutes from his home. While there, he received a call requesting that he 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. 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, 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 from his attackers further gunshot wounds and injuries to his shoulder, forearm, and right lower limb. The attackers allegedly contacted a member of the household he had visited earlier, claiming they had been paid to kill 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 (31st December 2025). On the 2nd of January 2026, while medicla attention was being given to him, he gave up the ghost throwing the entire Psychiatrists in Nigeria into mourning mood. Just like that, we lost him.
A Profession Under Threat
Psychiatrists across Nigeria entered the new year in mourning. We are barely 150 Psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million Nigerians. The mental health workforce in our country is already critically understaffed, with many doctors leaving in large numbers due to insecurity and poor working conditions. Yet, some of us remain committed to serving our nation. Why should any of us be killed in such a barbaric manner? 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. The recurring pattern of violence against healthcare workers across the country is alarming and unacceptable. Physical aggression against doctors and health workers is unlawful, dangerous, and must be decisively addressed.
Psychiatrists in Nigeria cannot and will not tolerate the murder of our members. This crime must not be met with silence or indifference.

Our Demands
1.⁠ ⁠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.
2.⁠ ⁠We demand adequate compensation and support for the bereaved family left behind under such tragic circumstances.
3.⁠ ⁠We demand an immediate and comprehensive strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture to safeguard healthcare professionals and citizens alike.
4.⁠ ⁠The APN warns that failure to meet these demands will compel the Association to take all legitimate and lawful actions necessary to protect its members and defend the sanctity of psychiatric practice in Nigeria.

Acknowledgment
We sincerely appreciate the Governor of Enugu State for swiftly convening a security meeting on this matter at the instance of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), particularly the Enugu State Branch for their prompt mobilization, investigation, and engagement of the DSS, and the State Police command. We are grateful to the State Government and the Security Agencies for the efforts so far however, we still expect more from them. We also commend the Management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu for their efforts in seeking clarity and justice in this matter.
We Will Not Rest Until Justice Is Served. 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. Dr. Andrew Orovwigho’s loss is irreplaceable. He will be profoundly missed by colleagues, patients, friends, family and Nigeria. May God grant us the strength to bear this painful loss and comfort his loved ones in this difficult time.
Sleep on, dear friend and distinguished Colleague, until we meet to part no more.
Dr Veronica Oluyemisi NYAMALI
President,
Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria.

Prof Kingsley Mayowa OKONODA.
Secretary General,
Association of Psychiatrists.