Medical Doctor, Brother Kidnapped In Edo By Gunmen

Benin City, Edo, Nigeria — Suspected gunmen have abducted a medical doctor, Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, and his brother, Abu Tahir, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The incident occurred on Thursday along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi. Babatunde, who is undergoing housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi, was said to be returning home from work with his brother when the assailants struck.

Sources said the brothers arrived at their residence at about 7:30 p.m. and Tahir had stepped out of their vehicle to open the gate when the gunmen emerged from hiding.

The attackers reportedly abducted the two brothers at gunpoint and dragged them into a nearby bush.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the command received a distress call on Friday.

She said operatives were immediately deployed to the area, while a coordinated manhunt involving the police, local vigilantes, forest guards and Community Safety Partnership Volunteers familiar with the terrain was launched.

According to her, intensive search-and-rescue operations have been ongoing in the surrounding forests to secure the victims’ release and apprehend the perpetrators.

Ikoedem assured that the command would leave no stone unturned to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted brothers.