Kidnapped Medical graduate found dead in Edo forest after ransom demand

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Abu Tahir, a graduate of medicine who was abducted alongside his elder brother on New Year’s Day in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Tahir was kidnapped with his brother, Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, a medical doctor currently undergoing housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.

The brothers were seized along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, at about 7:30pm while returning home.

According to police sources, the incident occurred when Tahir stepped out of the vehicle to open the gate for his brother to drive in. Armed men, said to have laid an ambush, reportedly emerged suddenly and whisked both men into the surrounding bush.

The kidnappers later contacted the family, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million for the release of the victims.

While security agencies intensified search operations, the family was said to be struggling to raise the huge sum demanded.

A source disclosed that Tahir’s lifeless body was later discovered near a riverbank during a joint bush-combing operation involving the police, military personnel, local vigilantes and hunters.

The assailants were said to have abandoned the deceased while moving deeper into the forest with his elder brother.

It was further revealed that Tahir had recently graduated as a medical doctor but was yet to commence his housemanship.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the body was found during a search operation and subsequently identified by the family as the younger of the two brothers abducted.

She added that efforts were ongoing to rescue the surviving victim and track down those responsible for the killing, as investigations continue into the attack that has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in the area.