A medical doctor with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi, Dr. Cornelius Onuigbo, who was kidnapped by gunmen on Tuesday, on Thursday, regained his freedom.
The medical practitioner, who was kidnapped in front of his house in Nnewi while returning from work, was released in the early hours of Thursday after spending two nights in captivity.
The Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, in Awka, confirmed to our correspondent the medical doctor’s release.
Ikenga noted that the medical personnel had been reunited with his family.
Earlier in the day, a colleague of the abducted doctor in the Urology Department of the hospital and the Head of Corporate Affairs at NAUTH, Martina Onwuka, had dropped a hint on the man’s release.
She, however, did not give details on the release, including whether a ransom was paid or if he managed to escape from his abductors.
News of Onuigbo’s release sparked jubilation at NAUTH on Thursday, with staff members and doctors singing praises to God for his safe return.
A colleague from the Urology Department spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed gratitude for Onuigbo’s release but noted the psychological toll the experience may have taken on him.
“We thank God that he has been released. We are not yet sure if any ransom was paid, and we cannot confirm if he was physically hurt.
“However, the psychological trauma of such an ordeal is significant. The most important thing is that he has reunited with his family. We thank God for sparing his life,” the colleague said.
