By LILIAN U. OKORO

The Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN), has condemned the killing of its colleague, Dr Andrew Orovwigho, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Enugu (FNHE), demanding for justice and compensation.

The association made the demands in a statement jointly signed by its President and Secretary General, Dr Veronica Nyamali and Prof. Kingsley Mayowa respectively, on Monday in Lagos.

Orovwigho was reportedly kidnapped from his residence on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 and was found where he was dumped on Dec. 31, 2025; taken to the hospital the same day; where he eventually died on Jan. 2, 2026.

APN decried that Orovwigho’s life was violently cut short by unknown assailants, who shot him in the left knee, brutally inflicted him with injuries and forcibly taken away in his own vehicle and dumped inside a sand evacuation site far from Enugu town to die.

“We are left asking: who could perpetrate such a heinous act? Orovwigho is a brilliant and passionate psychiatrist, deeply committed to patient care, teaching, mentorship, and professional excellence.

“His loss is not only personal but professional—a colossal blow to the mental health community 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,” the statement said.

APN decried dearth of psychiatric doctors in the country, saying that psychiatrists across Nigeria entered the new year in mourning with barely 150 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million Nigerians.

The association also regretted the recurring pattern of violence against healthcare workers across the country and the gross inadequacy of security measures in many health facilities.

According to the statement, the mental health workforce 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,” it said.

The association, therefore, called on all relevant authorities in Enugu State to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime would be identified, apprehended, and brought to justice without delay.

The psychiatrists also demanded adequate compensation and support for the bereaved family left behind under such tragic circumstances.

The APN warns that failure to meet these demands would compel the association to take all legitimate and lawful actions necessary to protect its members and defend the sanctity of psychiatric practice in Nigeria.

“We demand an immediate and comprehensive strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture to safeguard healthcare professionals and citizens alike.

“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,” it said.(NAN)

•PHOTO: The deceased doctor, Andrew Orovwigho, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Enugu (FNHE)