A doctor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Anambra has been kidnapped by gunmen at his residence in Anambra.

The Guardian reports that the victim has been identified as Dr Collinus Onuigbo.

He was abducted on Tuesday, a few days after Governor Chukwuma Soludo launched Operation Udo ga-achị, a joint security force in the state.

According to eye-witnesses, Onuigbo was accosted by armed men in front of his wife, who is just a few metres from the NAUTH, and forced into their vehicle before they sped off.

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The spokesperson of the Anambra Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the doctor’s abduction. He disclosed that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono-Itam, has directed police operatives to launch a manhunt for the abductors and secure the doctor’s release.

“The command is aware of the kidnap. We have already mobilised for the rescue of the doctor. The commissioner, CP Obono Itam, has given orders for this, and men of the command are currently at work,” said Ikenga.