Kidnappers free Edo doctor after family pays N50m ransom

A medical doctor, Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, who was abducted in Edo State, has been released after his family reportedly paid a N50 million ransom to his captors.

Dr. Tahir was kidnapped on January 2 alongside his younger brother at their home along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, while they were opening the gate to their compound.

Tragedy struck days later when the body of his younger brother was discovered on January 5 near the Orley River, down City Pride Road in Igbira Camp, Auchi. He was reportedly killed by the abductors.

Speaking on the development, the victims’ father disclosed that the ransom was paid in two instalments of N20 million and N30 million before Dr. Tahir was finally released on Wednesday morning at about 8am.

He explained that the family relied on support from non-governmental organisations, friends, and well-wishers to raise the required sum.

According to him, his son sustained a bullet injury to the leg, while vigilantes and local hunters who allegedly laid an ambush for the kidnappers informed the family that one of the abductors was also wounded during the encounter.

He said, “My son has been released by the kidnappers after we paid N50 million. I feel good that he has been released, but I also lost another son.

“The family, organisations, friends and well-wishers contributed the N50 million ransom. My son was brushed by a bullet but he is receiving treatment at a hospital.”

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the doctor had regained his freedom.

He stated, “I can confirm to you that the doctor has been released.”