Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, a medical doctor abducted in Auchi, Edo State, has been released after his family reportedly paid a ransom of ₦50 million. Tragically, his younger brother, Abu Tahir, also a recently graduated doctor, was killed by the kidnappers while in captivity.
The two brothers were kidnapped on January 2 at their residence on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, while opening their compound gate upon returning from work. The kidnappers initially demanded ₦200 million for their release.
According to the victims' father, Abu’s body was discovered near the Orle river on January 5. Following the murder, the ransom demand was renegotiated, eventually settled at ₦50 million, paid in two installments of ₦20 million and ₦30 million. The funds were raised through family contributions, donations from NGOs, friends, and well-wishers.
“My son has been released after we paid N50 million. I feel good that he is free, but I have also lost another son,” the father told journalists. He added that Ibrahim sustained a bullet graze to his leg during the ordeal and is currently receiving hospital treatment.
Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the doctor's release on Thursday. Prior to the release, local vigilantes and hunters reportedly ambushed the kidnappers, leaving one of the abductors with gunshot wounds.
The abduction had prompted the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to direct doctors to withdraw their services last Saturday in protest over the safety of medical personnel. The incident underscores the persistent insecurity in parts of Edo State and the devastating human and financial cost of Nigeria's kidnapping epidemic.
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