A disturbing incident of abduction has gripped Auchi, Edo State, following the kidnapping of two brothers, Ibrahim and Tahir Abu, by armed gunmen. The perpetrators have demanded a substantial ransom, initially set at ₦200 million, which was subsequently negotiated down to ₦100 million through discussions with the victims' family. The abduction took place along City Pride Road, in the Igbira Camp area of Auchi, within the Etsako West Local Government Area. While the Edo State Police Command confirmed receiving a distress call about the incident on the evening of January 2, 2026, at approximately 8:30 pm, another report indicated the abduction occurred on January 1, 2026. One of the victims, Ibrahim Abu, is a medical doctor currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi, a detail that has amplified the community's distress.

Momoh Tahir, the father of the abducted brothers, courageously spoke to journalists, confirming that the kidnappers had established contact with his family since the harrowing event. He detailed the difficult negotiations, revealing that the initial exorbitant demand of ₦200 million was successfully reduced to ₦100 million. Despite this progress, Mr. Tahir expressed the family's fervent hope for further discussions to achieve an even greater reduction in the ransom. He described the period as profoundly trying for the family, making an earnest appeal for prayers and support from the public, holding onto the unwavering hope for the safe and swift return of his sons.

The circumstances surrounding the abduction highlight the pervasive insecurity in the region. According to a family source, the brothers were seized in front of Dr. Ibrahim Abu's residence as he was in the process of opening his gate, having just returned home from his duties. This alarming incident has sent ripples of panic throughout the Iyetse Clan in the Utsogun Heritage Zone, leading to strong condemnations from the community. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of residents, especially professionals like Dr. Abu who are dedicated to serving humanity, who are now becoming targets of such criminal acts.

The Edo State Police Command has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the public of intensive efforts to rescue the victims. SP Eno Ikoedem, identified as the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, provided details on the police response. Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer of Auchi Divisional Headquarters was immediately dispatched to the scene. This initial response quickly escalated into a comprehensive search and rescue operation, involving a collaborative effort between police operatives, local vigilantes, Forest Guards, and Community Safety Partnership Volunteers. These local partners, well-versed in the forest terrain, are crucial to the ongoing ground search.

Despite the police confirmation of the incident and ongoing operations, a minor inconsistency arose regarding the ransom demand. While Mr. Tahir, the father, explicitly detailed the negotiation down to ₦100 million, a separate report quoted ASP Eno Ikoedem stating she was