The Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN) has condemned the killing of its member, Andrew Orovwigho, a consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Enugu (FNHE), demanding justice and compensation.

The association made the demands in a statement jointly signed by its president and secretary-general, Veronica Nyamali and Kingsley Mayowa, respectively, on Monday in Lagos.

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

APN decried that Mr Orovwigho was shot in the left knee, inflicted with injuries, and forcibly taken away in his own vehicle and dumped inside a sand evacuation site far from Enugu town.

“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 as 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 the dearth of psychiatrists in the country, with barely 150 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million Nigerians.

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

“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 and 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 were 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 lawful and necessary actions to protect its members and defend the sanctity of psychiatric practice in Nigeria.

“This matter is not closed. We will not relent until justice is secured for our brutally murdered colleague and appropriate compensation is provided to his family,” it said.

(NAN)