Two men suspected to be involved in the abduction of a medical doctor and his brother in Edo State have been arrested in a dramatic incident at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi.
The suspects, identified as Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar, were apprehended early Sunday after the doctor, Dr. Abu Ibrahim, recognised them while on duty at the hospital. This was confirmed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.
According to the police, the suspects had visited the hospital to check on a sick baby girl receiving treatment in the emergency ward. While attending to patients, Dr. Ibrahim reportedly identified the men as members of the gang that abducted him and his brother earlier this year. He immediately alerted security personnel, leading to their arrest within the hospital premises.
Dr. Ibrahim and his brother, Abu Tahir, were kidnapped in January at Igbira Camp in Auchi, near a military barracks. The kidnappers allegedly demanded ₦100 million as ransom. During captivity, the younger brother was reportedly killed after attempting to escape, while the doctor was later released after a substantial ransom was paid.
Sources disclosed that prior to their arrest, the suspects had been seen moving freely around Auchi town alongside two individuals dressed in military uniforms, heightening fears among residents over the rising cases of kidnapping in Auchi and other parts of Edo North.
Community leaders, including Alhaji Rilwanu Bonvist Oshiobugie and the Daudu of Igbe, Chief Yekini Sado, described the arrest as a significant breakthrough. They called for a thorough investigation to uncover other members of the kidnapping network operating in the area.
The leaders also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo, noting that his security interventions are beginning to yield positive results.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the State Police Command Headquarters for further investigation.
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Published by Ejoh Caleb
