Terrorists abducted a young doctor and his brother in Auchi, Edo State, on New Year’s Day, igniting community fury and a swift police response.
Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, a houseman at Edo State Teaching Hospital, and his brother Abu Tahir drove home along City Pride Road in the Ibira Camp area around 7:30 p.m. on January 1.
Suddenly, armed terrorists emerged from the nearby bush.
Tahir stepped out to open the gate, but the attackers seized both brothers at gunpoint and dragged them into the wilderness.
Authorities reacted immediately.
The Edo State Police Command dispatched operatives to the scene after receiving a distress call.
They launched a coordinated manhunt, teaming up with local vigilantes, forest guards, and community volunteers who know the terrain well.
As of January 3, aggressive search-and-rescue operations continue in the surrounding forests, with police vowing to leave no stone unturned in securing the victims’ safe return.
Meanwhile, no ransom demands have surfaced, heightening tensions in the area.
Residents of Auchi expressed outrage over the attack.
They described Dr. Babatunde as a dedicated professional committed to saving lives, emphasizing that his service to humanity made the abduction particularly heinous.
Community leaders called on the Edo State government and security agencies to intensify efforts for the brothers’ release, highlighting how such incidents erode public trust.
Additionally, the event has plunged the local Iyetse Clan into panic, underscoring the vulnerability of even essential workers like doctors.
This abduction fits a troubling pattern of violence in Edo State.
For instance, terrorists targeted another victim in nearby Ekpoma on the same day, fueling criticism of governance failures in curbing insecurity.
Social media users amplified these concerns, pointing to repeated attacks on soft targets such as healthcare providers and students.
However, police spokespersons assured the public that ongoing collaborations with community groups will yield results soon.
As the search persists, families and friends cling to hope.
Dr. Babatunde’s colleagues at the teaching hospital praised his calm demeanor and early-career promise, urging authorities to prioritize his rescue.
In the broader fight against terrorism, experts argue that enhanced patrols and intelligence sharing could prevent future tragedies in Nigeria’s volatile regions.
