Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed outrage over the death of Barrister Ndubuisi Udutchay, a 33-year-old lawyer who died after being attacked by gunmen in Enugu State.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said Udutchay’s death, which occurred on July 3, 2025, exposed the failures of public healthcare and worsening insecurity in the southeast.
In a statement signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, deputy president general, and Thompson Ohia, national spokesman, Ohanaeze said Udutchay was rushed to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) after he was shot, but suffered a 10-hour delay before surgery due to lack of personnel and medical resources.
The group said the lawyer later died in the intensive care unit (ICU), which it described as “shockingly deficient” under the leadership of Berth Ngwu, a medical doctor.
“Despite surviving the surgery, Barrister Udutchay succumbed to the consequences of inadequate post-operative care—a fate that reflects the broader plight of many Igbos who have become victims of a failing healthcare system,” the group said.
Ohanaeze urged Peter Mba, governor of Enugu, to urgently reform the state’s health sector, starting with ESUTH, and also called for an independent investigation into Udutchay’s death.
The group further demanded decisive action against insecurity in the state, saying citizens are increasingly unsafe.
“We implore the government of Enugu to extend condolences and support to the Udutchay family,” the statement added.
Udutchay will be buried in his hometown of Ndiowu, Anambra State, on August 23.