Two brothers, including a medical doctor on housemanship, were abducted over the weekend in Auchi, Edo North Senatorial District, sparking fear in their community and raising concerns about rising insecurity in Edo State.
Ibrahim Abu, a house officer at Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi, and his brother, Tahir Abu, were reportedly kidnapped while trying to access their residence along City Pride Road, Ibira Camp.
A family source described the incident as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” noting that the young doctor’s only offence was serving humanity. The family has called on security agencies and the Edo State Government to act swiftly to secure their release.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the abduction, stating that security operatives, working alongside vigilantes, forest guards, and Community Safety Partnership volunteers, have been combing nearby forest areas since Friday night.
The police described the operation as aggressive and intelligence-driven, aiming to rescue the victims safely and unconditionally.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) assured the public that no effort would be spared in locating the brothers, emphasising close collaboration with community stakeholders familiar with the forest terrain.
Authorities responded promptly to a distress call received around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, deploying the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and response teams to the scene. The kidnapping has heightened anxiety in the Iyetse Clan of the Utsogun Heritage Zone, with residents fearing for the safety of vulnerable individuals in the area.
The incident comes amid rising reports of abductions across Edo State and other parts of Nigeria, particularly targeting professionals and community members in residential neighbourhoods.
Security officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure collective safety.
Police have promised to provide updates as the operation unfolds and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
