The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two brothers, Ibrahim and Tahir Abu, in Auchi, Edo North Senatorial District, sparking tension within the community.
Ibrahim, a medical doctor undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi, was reportedly kidnapped alongside his brother on Friday, January 2, 2026, while attempting to gain access to his residence after returning from work.
The victims, members of the Abu family of the Iyetse Clan in the Utsogun Heritage Zone, were seized in front of their home along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp area of Auchi, according to family sources.
A relative described the incident as disturbing, noting that the abduction occurred as the young doctor was opening his gate.
The source appealed to security agencies and the Edo State Government to intensify efforts toward securing their immediate and unconditional release.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command said the case was reported at about 8:30 p.m. on January 2, adding that operatives were swiftly deployed to the area.
She said the Divisional Police Officer in Auchi mobilised police personnel in collaboration with vigilantes, forest guards and community safety volunteers familiar with the terrain, immediately after a distress call was received.
According to her, intensive search-and-rescue operations have been ongoing in surrounding forests since the incident was reported.
The police assured the victims’ family and residents that every effort would be made to ensure their safe rescue, adding that further details would be made public as investigations progress.