Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed the younger of the two siblings abducted on January 2 at their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, Edo State.

The father of the kidnap victims, Tahir Momoh, confirmed his son Abu Momoh's killing on Monday.

He noted that the corpse was discovered on Monday morning and he has been buried the same day according to Islamic rites.

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He said, "It is true that he was killed. He is the younger of the two brothers and he has been buried. The older 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."

A source said he must have attempted an escape when he was shot by the abductors. "I was told that he attempted an escape and he was shot by the kidnappers."

The older brother still in captivity, who is a medical doctor, Ibrahim, was abducted along with his brother while they were trying to enter their compound and were taken into the bush.

Ibrahim is currently on his housemanship at Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.

A resident who gave his name as Abdul urged the police to beam their searchlight on the Igbira camp. He said the number of abductions that have been done in that area was so much that not all were reported in the media.

He said, "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."