Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed one of the two brothers abducted from their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, Edo State, while the elder brother remains in captivity.
The victim’s father, Tahir Momoh, confirmed on Monday that his younger son, Abu Momoh, was killed by the abductors. He said the corpse was discovered on Monday morning and buried the same day in line with Islamic rites.
“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 incident as devastating, he added, “This is a very sad day for us and we hope that his elder will be released to us.”
A source familiar with the development said the deceased may have attempted to escape from captivity before he was shot by the kidnappers.
“I was told that he attempted an escape and he was shot by the abductors,” the source disclosed.
The surviving brother, Ibrahim, a medical doctor, was abducted alongside Abu on January 2 while they were trying to enter their compound. The kidnappers reportedly took them into the bush after the attack.
Ibrahim is currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.
Meanwhile, residents of the area have expressed concern over the rising cases of abduction around Igbira Camp. A resident, Abdul, urged security agencies to intensify surveillance in the community, saying several kidnapping incidents in the area often go unreported.
“I think it is time the police beam their searchlight on the Igbira community in Auchi because the number of kidnappings around that area is alarming,” he said.
He added that urgent action was needed to curb criminal activities and restore confidence among residents. “The government should also take action so that the people can see that they are important,” Abdul said.
