By Bakare Ozyon
Two brothers, including a medical doctor, were reportedly kidnapped by suspected gunmen in Auchi, Edo State, on New Year’s Day.
The victims, identified as Dr Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, who is currently completing his housemanship at Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi, and his brother, Abu Tahir, were abducted on the evening of Thursday, January 1, 2026, along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses said the brothers had just returned home around 7:30 pm when Tahir stepped out of their vehicle to open the gate. Armed men, allegedly lying in wait, suddenly appeared, seized them at gunpoint, and forced them into a nearby bush.
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the police received an emergency alert at about 8:30 pm.
She noted that officers were immediately deployed, and a joint search-and-rescue operation involving the police, local vigilantes, forest guards, and Community Safety Partnership Volunteers was launched.
Ikoedem added that security operatives are combing the surrounding forest areas and intensifying efforts to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. She reassured residents that the Edo State Police Command is fully committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted brothers.
