The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two brothers, Ibrahim Abu and Tahir Abu, in Auchi, a major town in Edo North Senatorial District, Edo State, southern Nigeria, in an incident that has heightened concerns over insecurity in the area.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, January 2, 2026, when the victims were returning to their residence after the close of the day’s activities. Ibrahim Abu is a medical doctor currently undergoing his compulsory one-year housemanship training at Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi, a government-owned tertiary healthcare facility serving Edo North and neighbouring communities.
According to information made available, the two brothers were abducted while attempting to gain access to their home located off City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, Edo State. The development has triggered fear and anxiety within the community, particularly among residents of the Iyetse Clan in the Utsogun Heritage Zone, where the Abu family is well known.
A family source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the incident as traumatic and unacceptable, noting that it happened in clear view of the victims’ 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 said.
The family member further expressed outrage over the incident, lamenting that a young medical professional dedicated to saving lives had become a victim of violent crime.
“This is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. A young doctor whose only crime is serving humanity has now become another victim of insecurity,” the source added.
The source also appealed to authorities at both state and federal levels to intervene urgently to secure the release of the abducted brothers.
“We call on security agencies, the Edo State Government, and all relevant authorities to act immediately and ensure his safe and unconditional release,” the family source stated.
Okay News reports that the Edo State Police Command received an official distress call regarding the incident on Saturday, January 3, 2026, prompting an immediate security response.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command said coordinated rescue operations were swiftly activated following the report.
“Yes, this unfortunate incident was brought to the attention of the Edo State Police Command on 2nd January, 2026 at about 8:30pm,” she said.
She explained that upon receiving the report of the kidnapping of Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and Abu Tahir along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Auchi Divisional Headquarters was immediately deployed to the scene.
“Upon receipt of a distress call reporting the kidnapping of two brothers, Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and Abu Tahir, along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, the Divisional Police Officer, Auchi Divisional Headquarters, was immediately deployed to the scene and subsequently mobilized operatives in collaboration with vigilantes, Forest Guards, and Community Safety Partnership Volunteers who are well conversant with the forest terrain,” she said.
The police spokesperson disclosed that security operatives have been combing surrounding forest areas since the night of the incident, stressing that the operation remains active and aggressive.
“Aggressive search and rescue operations within the forest have been ongoing since last night, and 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 added.
She assured residents that updates would be provided as the situation develops, urging members of the public to remain calm while cooperating with security agencies.
