An abducted medical doctor, Dr Ibrahim Tahir, has regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid a ransom of N50 million to secure his release from captivity in Edo State.
Tahir was kidnapped on January 2, 2026, alongside his younger brother at their residence on City Pride Road in the Igbira Camp area of Auchi. The incident occurred while the victims were opening the gate to their compound, according to family sources.
Tragedy struck days later when the body of the doctor’s younger brother was discovered on January 5 near the Orley River, also along City Pride Road. The deceased was reportedly killed by the abductors, deepening public concern over the spate of kidnappings in the area.
Speaking in a telephone interview on Thursday, the victims’ father disclosed that the ransom was paid in two instalments of N20 million and N30 million before the doctor was released on Wednesday evening at about 8 pm.
He explained that the family received support from non governmental organisations, friends and other well wishers to raise the funds required for the doctor’s release.
The father further revealed that Tahir sustained a bullet graze on his leg during the ordeal and is currently receiving medical treatment. He added that one of the kidnappers was injured during an encounter with vigilantes and local hunters shortly before the doctor was freed.
“My son is finally free, but the pain of losing another son remains,” he said.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the doctor had been released and reunited with his family.
The incident has renewed calls for improved security across Edo North communities.
