Kidnappers Kill Hostage, Elder Brother Still in Captivity in Edo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed the younger of two brothers abducted from their family home along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, Edo State.

The victims were seized on January 2 while attempting to enter their residence. Their father, Tahir Momoh, confirmed on Monday that his younger son, Abu Momoh, was found dead earlier in the day.

According to him, Abu’s body was discovered on Monday morning and he was buried the same day in line with Islamic rites. He added that the elder brother remains in the custody of the abductors.

“It is true that he was killed. He is the younger of the two brothers and he has been buried. The older brother is still with the kidnappers,” Momoh said, describing the development as deeply painful for the family.

A source familiar with the incident said the deceased may have been shot while trying to escape from his captors. “I was told that he attempted to escape and the kidnappers shot him,” the source stated.

The surviving victim, identified as Ibrahim, is a medical doctor currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi. He was abducted alongside his brother and taken into the surrounding bush by the assailants.

Residents of the area have expressed growing concern over the worsening security situation. One resident, Abdul, called on the police to intensify surveillance and security operations around Igbira Camp, noting that kidnappings in the area have become frequent, with many cases going unreported.

“The number of abductions in this area is alarming. Not all of them even make it to the media,” he said. “The police need to focus serious attention on the Igbira community in Auchi.”

He also urged the government to take decisive action against criminal elements in the area, stressing that visible enforcement would reassure residents that their safety matters.

“The earlier these criminal activities are stopped, the better for Auchi and neighbouring communities,” he added.