Kidnappers have killed the younger of two brothers abducted on January 2 at their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, Edo North, Edo State.
The father of the deceased, Tahir Momoh, confirmed on Monday that his son, Abu Momoh, had been killed.
He stated that the body was discovered on Monday morning and buried the same day.
“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 hope that his elder will be released to us,” he said.
In a short video made available from the platform of the deceased’s community, Abu Momoh was seen being killed by his abductors near Orley River, down City Pride Road, Igbira Camp.
A source in the community, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the victim might have attempted to escape before he was shot.
“I was told that he attempted an escape and he was shot by the kidnappers,” the source said.
The oldest brother, Ibrahim, a medical doctor who is now completing his housemanship at Edo State Teaching Hospital in Auchi, is still being held captive by the kidnappers.
Both brothers were abducted while trying to enter their compound and taken into the woods.
A resident identified as Abdul requested police to step up operations in Igbira Camp. He claimed that many incidents in the area went unreported.
“I think it’s time the police beam a searchlight on the Igbira community in Auchi, as the number of kidnappings around that area is alarming. The problem is these boys don’t want to work but are looking for easy money.
“The earlier their criminal activities are halted, the better for Auchi and other communities around that area.
“The government should also take action so that the people can see that they are important,” he said.
The gunmen initially demanded an N200m ransom for the release of the brothers on Sunday.
Tahir Momoh stated that the kidnappers contacted the family to demand the amount.
After negotiations, our correspondent learned that the ransom was reduced to N100m, with hopes of further reductions.
“They have been in touch with us since they were kidnapped. They asked for N200m, but we were able to negotiate N100m.
“We are still hoping that further discussion will lead to a reduction of the ransom demanded. It’s a trying period for the family, but I pray that they will come back home safely,” he said.
Confirming the occurrence, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, stated that the victim was discovered dead in the bush by police while bush combing.
She stated that the deceased’s relatives identified him as the younger brother of the medical doctor, both of whom were kidnapped.
