* Suspected kidnappers who abducted Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and murdered his younger brother Abu Tahir have been arrested.
* Dr. Babatunde identified them at the Specialist Hospital Auchi when they brought their sick child for treatment.
In Auchi, the Abu family once drew strength from the close bond between two bright young men Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde a dedicated house officer at the Specialist Hospital Auchi and his younger brother Abu Tahir who shared dreams of a secure future.
Their home on City Pride Road represented safety until January 2 2026 around 7:30 PM when gunmen ambushed them at the compound gate abducting both as they returned from the day.
The family immediately faced terror as kidnappers demanded an initial ₦200 million later adjusting demands while holding the brothers captive.
Heartbreak struck early when Abu Tahir's body was discovered near Orley River along City Pride Road on January 5 reportedly murdered by the abductors.
The parents and relatives desperate to save their surviving son rallied every resource including contributions from family friends the Nigerian Medical Association colleagues and well wishers.
After grueling negotiations they paid ₦50 million in installments securing Dr. Babatunde's release around January 14 or 15 2026.
The reunion brought fragile relief but the void left by Abu Tahir's death haunted the household with his father voicing the unbearable mix of emotions to media outlets.
“My son has been released by the kidnappers after we paid N50 million. I feel good that he is free but I have also lost another son.”
On February 8 2026 around 9:00 AM routine turned to reckoning when suspects Idris Abubakar and Sani Abubakar arrived with their sick child seeking treatment possibly in the wards or emergency area.
While performing duties Dr. Babatunde recognized them as gang members including Idris Abubakar who had collected the ransom. He alerted authorities leading to swift police intervention from Auchi Division.
Edo State Police Command spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem confirmed, “Similarly on 08/02/2026 at about 0900hrs the Divisional Police Officer following a lead on the same case mobilized operatives to the Specialist Hospital Auchi where two suspects identified as Idris Abubakar ‘M’ and Sani Abubakar ‘M’ were apprehended at the hospital premises. Both suspects have also been identified as part of the gang that abducted Dr. Babatunde on 02/01/2026. Idris Abubakar was identified as the particular person who received ransom money for the release of Dr. Abu.”
An earlier suspect Saminu Kawujie was arrested February 3 in Warake Forest with recovered items including knives phones an ATM card and ₦20 250 leading to his identification.
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