An abducted medical doctor in Auchi, Edo State, Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, has regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid a ₦50 million ransom, even as tragedy struck with the killing of his younger brother, who was kidnapped alongside him.

Dr. Tahir and his brother, Abu Tahir, a newly qualified medical doctor, were abducted on January 2, 2026, at their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

According to reports, the brothers were attacked by armed men while opening the gate to their compound after returning from work. The assailants forcibly whisked them away to an unknown location, triggering widespread fear and outrage in the community.

Younger Brother Killed in Captivity

While in captivity, Abu Tahir was killed by the abductors. His lifeless body was discovered on January 5 near the Orle River, close to Down City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, residents confirmed.

Sources familiar with the incident revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦200 million for the release of the brothers. After Abu’s killing, the ransom demand reportedly fluctuated between ₦100 million and ₦40 million, before a final agreement of ₦50 million was reached.

The ransom was reportedly paid in **two tranches—₦20 million and ₦30 million—**before Dr. Ibrahim Tahir was released.

Family Speaks, Police Confirm Release

Confirming the development, the father of the victims said the ransom was raised through collective family efforts, donations from non-governmental organisations, as well as support from friends and well-wishers.

“My son has been released after we paid ₦50 million. I am relieved he is alive, but I have lost another son,” the grieving father said.

He disclosed that Dr. Ibrahim sustained a bullet graze injury on his leg during the ordeal and is currently receiving medical care at a hospital.

Meanwhile, reports indicated that local vigilantes and hunters ambushed the kidnappers shortly before Ibrahim’s release, leading to a gun battle in which one of the abductors was reportedly injured.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the doctor’s release. The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, stated:

“I can confirm to you that the doctor has been released,” but declined to comment on arrests or the recovery of weapons.

Medical Community Protests

The abduction and killing have sparked outrage within the medical community. In response, the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) ordered doctors across the state to withdraw their services in protest over the abduction of two doctors and the killing of one.

The killing of Abu Tahir, a young doctor who had just completed his medical training, has further heightened concerns over the escalating insecurity and kidnapping crisis in Edo State.