Tragedy struck in Auchi, the headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, as suspected kidnappers killed Abu Momoh, one of the two brothers abducted from their residence last weekend.
Abu was kidnapped alongside his elder brother, Ibrahim Momoh, a medical doctor, on January 2, at their family home located along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, in Auchi, Edo North Senatorial District. The abduction threw the family and the community into distress, with relatives and residents anxiously awaiting their release.
Confirming the incident, the father of the victims, Tahir Momoh, said the body of his younger son was discovered on Monday morning. He added that Abu had since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
“It is true that he was killed. He is the younger of the two brothers and he has been buried. The elder brother is still with the kidnappers. This is a very sad day for us, and we are praying that his elder brother will be released alive,” Tahir Momoh said.
Findings revealed that the corpse of the deceased was found near the Orley River, along Down City Pride Road in the Igbira Camp area. A community source disclosed that Abu was allegedly shot dead by the kidnappers while attempting to escape from captivity.
“I was told he tried to escape from the kidnappers and was shot in the process,” the source said.
The killing has further heightened fear and anxiety among residents of Auchi, particularly in the Igbira Camp area, which has witnessed a rise in kidnapping cases in recent months. Many residents now express concern over their safety, especially at night.
Reacting to the incident, a leader of the Auchi community, Abdul, urged security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering in the area, which he described as a hotspot for criminal activities.
“I think it is time the police beam a serious searchlight on the Igbira community in Auchi, as the rate of kidnappings around that area is alarming,” he said.
He attributed the increasing incidents to unemployment and the pursuit of quick money by some youths, calling on both the government and security agencies to take decisive action.
“These boys do not want to work and are looking for easy money. The earlier their criminal activities are halted, the better for Auchi and neighbouring communities. The government should also act so that people can feel safe and know that their lives matter,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, Ibrahim Momoh remains in the custody of the kidnappers, while efforts by security agencies to track down the perpetrators and rescue the remaining victim were said to be ongoing. Residents have continued to appeal to the authorities to strengthen security in the area and bring the culprits to justice.
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