Family of abducted Edo doctor appeals for help as kidnappers demand N100m

The family of Dr. Abu Babatunde, a house officer at the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Iyamho, has appealed to the public for financial assistance following his abduction by gunmen alongside his brother.

In a statement released on Thursday, the family disclosed that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N100 million for the doctor’s release, a sum they described as far beyond their financial capacity.

“With teary eyes and a heavy heart, I appeal to the public for prayers, support, and financial assistance during this extremely painful time,” the victim’s wife said, describing the emotional trauma the family is enduring.

She confirmed that her husband and his brother, Abu Momoh, were forcefully taken from their residence by armed men, who later contacted the family with the huge ransom demand.

According to the family, every contribution, no matter how small, could help secure the doctor’s freedom.

“The N100 million ransom demand is an impossible burden for us to bear alone.

“No amount is too small, and we plead for assistance and continued prayers,” the statement added.

The incident has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in Edo State, particularly the increasing targeting of medical professionals.

Friends and colleagues of the abducted doctor have continued to circulate the appeal across social media platforms, calling for urgent intervention.

Security sources earlier confirmed that two brothers were abducted on January 2, 2026, along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, in Edo North, while returning home from work.

In a tragic development, the kidnappers later killed the younger of the two brothers, Abu Momoh.

Their father, Tahir Momoh, confirmed the death, describing it as a devastating loss to the family.

Authorities are yet to issue further details on rescue efforts or arrests connected to the incident.