Gunmen have abducted two brothers in Auchi, Edo State, and are demanding a hefty ransom of two hundred million naira for their release. The kidnappers later reduced their demand to one hundred million naira following negotiations with the distressed family.
Details of the Auchi Abduction
The victims, identified as Ibrahim and Tahir Abu, were seized on January 2, 2026. The incident occurred along City Pride Road in the Igbira Camp area of Auchi, located within the Etsako West Local Government Area. Ibrahim is a medical doctor currently completing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital in Auchi.
A family source provided chilling details, stating the brothers were taken right in front of Ibrahim's residence. "The abduction occurred in front of his residence, off City Pride Road, Ibira Camp, Auchi, Edo State, while he was attempting to open his gate after returning from work," the source explained.
Family Negotiations and Police Response
The father of the abducted men, Momoh Tahir, confirmed on Sunday that the kidnappers have maintained contact with the family since the incident. He revealed the initial astronomical demand and the subsequent negotiation. "They asked for ₦200 million but we were able to negotiate ₦100 million. We are still hoping that further discussion will lead to reduction of the ransom demanded," Tahir stated.
Describing the situation as a trying period, he appealed for public prayers and support, expressing hope for his children's safe return.
The Edo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer SP Eno Ikoedem, has confirmed the kidnapping. She stated that the command received a distress call on the evening of January 2 at about 8:30pm and immediately mobilized a response team.
"Upon receipt of a distress call... the Divisional Police Officer, Auchi Divisional Headquarters, was immediately deployed to the scene and subsequently mobilised operatives in collaboration with vigilantes, Forest Guards, and Community Safety Partnership Volunteers," SP Ikoedem said.
Community Panic and Calls for Action
This alarming event has thrown the Iyetse Clan in the Utsogun Heritage Zone into a state of fear and panic. The family source condemned the act, highlighting the victim's profession. "This is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. A young doctor whose only crime is serving humanity has now become another victim of insecurity," the source lamented.
The source issued a strong call to action: "We call on security agencies, the Edo State Government, and all relevant authorities to act immediately and ensure his safe and unconditional release."
SP Ikoedem assured that aggressive search and rescue operations within the surrounding forests are ongoing. "The Command assures the family and the general public that no stone will be left unturned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims," she affirmed.
This latest kidnapping has reignited serious concerns about the security situation in parts of Edo North. Residents are urgently calling for:
- Increased security presence in the area.
- Concrete measures to curb the activities of kidnappers.
- Swift action from authorities to restore a sense of safety.
The community remains on edge as the combined forces of the police and local volunteers continue their hunt through the forest terrain, hoping for the safe return of the Abu brothers.
