Dr. Cornelius Onuigbo, a medical doctor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, who was abducted by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday, has regained his freedom.
Onuigbo, 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 harrowing nights in captivity.
The news of his release was confirmed by his colleagues in the Urology Department of the hospital and the Head of Corporate Affairs at NAUTH, Martina Onwuka.
Details surrounding his release remain unclear, including whether a ransom was paid or if he managed to escape from his abductors.
Our correspondent gathered that the news of Onuigbo’s release sparked jubilation at the premises of NAUTH on Thursday, with staff members and doctors singing praises to God for his safe return.
A colleague from the Urology Department, who spoke on 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.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, also confirmed the doctor’s release, stating that he had safely reunited with his family.
(PUNCH)