Dr Ibrahim Tahir, a medical doctor who was kidnapped along with his younger brother on January 2, 2026, in Auchi, has regained his freedom following the payment of a N50 million ransom.
The younger brother was tragically found dead near Orley River, Igbira Camp, on January 5, reportedly killed by the abductors.
According to the victims’ father, the ransom was paid in two installments of N20 million and N30 million, enabling Dr Tahir’s release on Wednesday evening around 8:00 p.m. The funds were raised through combined efforts from the family, NGOs, friends, and other well-wishers.
He added that a bullet grazed Dr Tahir’s leg during the ordeal, and one of the kidnappers was injured in a vigilante ambush prior to the doctor’s release.
“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 ransom. My son was grazed by a bullet, but he is receiving treatment at a hospital,” the father said.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the doctor’s release on Thursday. “I can confirm to you that the doctor has been released,” she said.