Gunmen who abducted two brothers in Auchi, Edo State, on January 2 have demanded N200 million for their release but later agreed to accept N100 million, the victims’ family and police said on Sunday.
The victims, identified as Ibrahim and Tahir Abu, were seized at about 8:30pm on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, the Edo State Police Command confirmed.
The senior family member, Momoh Tahir, told reporters the kidnappers phoned the family with an initial N200 million demand before negotiations brought the figure down to N100 million, adding the household was still seeking further reductions.
Ibrahim Abu is a medical doctor currently serving his housemanship at Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.
A relative described the abduction as traumatic, saying Ibrahim was taken in full view of neighbours while trying to open his gate after returning from work.
The police said they launched immediate search-and-rescue operations after receiving the distress call.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer Eno Ikoedem said officers from the Auchi division were deployed and worked with vigilante groups, forest guards and Community Safety Partnership volunteers familiar with the forest terrain to track the kidnappers.
“Following the report, operatives were mobilised and aggressive searches have been carried out within the forest. The command assures the family and the public that every effort is being made to secure the victims’ release,” the police statement said.
Local sources said the kidnappers maintained contact with the family during the weekend.
The relatives appealed to security agencies to act swiftly to secure the brothers’ safe return.