Two men suspected to be involved in the abduction of a medical doctor, Abu Ibrahim, and his brother, Abu Tahir—who was later killed—have been arrested at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
The suspects were taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday after Ibrahim reportedly recognised them within the hospital premises.
They were said to have arrived at the facility to visit one of their associates who was receiving treatment in the emergency ward when the doctor identified them as part of the gang that kidnapped him.
The abduction reportedly took place in January at Igbira Camp in Auchi, close to the military barracks. It was gathered that the suspects had recently been moving freely around Auchi town and were at times seen in the company of two individuals dressed in military uniforms.
Reacting to the arrests, community leaders, including Alhaji Rilwanu Bonvist Oshiobugie and the Daudu of Igbe, Chief Yekini Sado, described the development as a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb kidnapping in Auchi. They urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation to expose the broader criminal network responsible for the recent wave of abductions in Auchi and Edo North.
The leaders also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for what they described as effective interventions in addressing insecurity, noting that the arrests reflect positive outcomes from the state government’s actions.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, directed that the suspects be moved to the Edo State Police Command Headquarters for detailed investigation.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, identified the suspects as Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar.
What you should know
The arrest highlights growing community vigilance and the role of chance encounters in tackling kidnapping in Edo North.
The case has renewed concerns over criminals allegedly operating with fake or unauthorised military uniforms, raising questions about impersonation and security lapses.
Authorities are expected to widen investigations to dismantle the suspected network behind recent abductions in Auchi, as pressure mounts on law enforcement to curb kidnapping and restore public confidence in the region.
