Tragedy has struck Edo State following the killing of a young medical doctor who was abducted alongside his brother by gunmen in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area. The incident has renewed concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the state and other parts of the country.
The victim, identified as Tahir Abu Emhoye, was reportedly killed by his abductors days after he and his elder brother, Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, were kidnapped from their residence on January 1, 2026. The brothers were taken by unknown gunmen at about 7:30 pm along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, as they were about to enter their home after returning from work.
According to information gathered, Tahir was a fresh medical graduate of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. His elder brother, Babatunde, is currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Auchi. Both young men were said to be dedicated to their medical careers and well known within their community.
The abduction caused panic and fear in Auchi, as residents expressed shock that two young doctors could be taken so close to their home. Family members and neighbours were said to have raised alarm immediately after the incident, but the gunmen had already escaped with their victims.
Sources said the kidnappers later contacted the family on Saturday, January 3, 2026, and demanded a ransom of N200 million for the release of the two brothers. The demand was described as shocking and unrealistic by many, given the background of the family.
While efforts were reportedly ongoing to secure the release of the victims, news later emerged that one of the abducted doctors had been killed. A video that went viral on social media, posted by Ismail Egbomiade on the Auchi Blog and Services Facebook page, claimed that Tahir Abu Emhoye had been murdered and his body dumped near a river.
The video sparked outrage and deep sorrow across the community, especially among students and young professionals who knew the deceased. Tahir was described as an active and vibrant young man who had recently completed his medical training and was looking forward to beginning his professional life.
Further reports revealed that Tahir was a former Director of Sports of the Students’ Union Government at Ambrose Alli University. During his time as a student, he was said to be popular among his peers and involved in campus activities.
Security agencies later confirmed that the lifeless body of the young doctor was discovered during a search operation. Operatives were said to have combed bushes and forest areas around Auchi while searching for the abducted brothers. The body was eventually found near a river.
The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident. She stated that the body was found by the riverside and that members of the family later identified the deceased as one of the two abducted doctors.
“The body was discovered near a river, and family members have identified him as one of the abducted persons,” the police spokesperson said.
ASP Ikoedem added that investigations were ongoing and that efforts were being intensified to rescue the remaining abducted brother and bring the perpetrators to justice. She did not give details on whether any arrests had been made.
The killing has thrown the family of the victims into deep mourning. Friends, colleagues, and members of the community have continued to express grief and anger over the loss. Many described the incident as senseless and painful, especially considering the future that lay ahead for the young doctor.
Residents of Auchi have also expressed fear over the growing insecurity in the area. In recent years, Edo North has recorded several cases of kidnapping for ransom, particularly along highways and in residential areas. Although security agencies have made arrests in some cases, many residents believe more needs to be done to protect lives and property.
The kidnapping and killing of the young doctor have once again drawn attention to the dangers faced by health workers in Nigeria. Medical professionals are often seen as targets for kidnappers due to the assumption that they or their families can raise large sums of money.
Across Nigeria, kidnapping has become a major security challenge, affecting both urban and rural areas. Victims range from school children and farmers to professionals and business people. In many cases, families are forced to sell property or seek help from friends to raise ransom, while others suffer tragic losses.
The Edo State Government has repeatedly pledged to tackle insecurity and protect residents. In the past, the state government has worked with security agencies to launch operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups. However, incidents like this have continued to raise questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
Civil society groups and community leaders in Edo State have called on the government to strengthen security, improve intelligence gathering, and address the root causes of crime, including unemployment and poverty. They have also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing useful information.
Students and alumni of Ambrose Alli University have taken to social media to mourn the deceased. Many described Tahir as hardworking, kind, and full of promise. Some called for justice, urging the authorities not to allow his death to go unanswered.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the surviving brother, Babatunde, remain unknown. His safety is a major concern for the family and the wider community. Calls have been made for security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue him alive.
The killing of Tahir Abu Emhoye is a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria. For many, it is not just another statistic, but the loss of a young life dedicated to saving others.
As investigations continue, residents of Auchi and Nigerians at large hope that those responsible will be brought to justice and that stronger steps will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. The incident has left a deep scar on the community and renewed calls for urgent action against kidnapping and violent crime across the country.