An abducted medical doctor, Dr Ibrahim Tahir, has been released after his family paid a ransom of N50 million to secure his freedom.
According to The PUNCH, Tahir was kidnapped alongside his younger brother on January 2, 2026, at their home on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, while they were opening the gate to their compound.
The incident took a tragic turn days later when the body of Tahir’s younger brother was discovered near Orley River, also along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, on January 5. He was reportedly killed by the abductors.
Speaking in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, the victims’ father disclosed that the ransom was paid in two instalments, N20 million and N30 million, before Tahir was finally released on Wednesday evening at about 8:00 p.m.
He said the family could only raise the money through the collective support of non-governmental organisations, friends, and other well-wishers.
The father also revealed that Tahir sustained a minor gunshot injury during captivity, while one of the kidnappers was reportedly wounded when vigilantes and local hunters ambushed the gang before the doctor’s release.
He said, “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.
“The family, organisations, friends, and well-wishers contributed the N50 million ransom. My son was grazed by a bullet, but he is receiving treatment at a hospital.”
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the victim had regained his freedom.
When contacted by phone on Thursday, she stated, “I can confirm to you that the doctor has been released.”
