An Edo State-based medical practitioner, Dr Ibrahim Tahir, has been freed from captivity after his family paid a ₦50 million ransom to secure his release.
Confirmation of his freedom came from his father on Thursday, who disclosed that the ransom was paid in two instalments of ₦20 million and ₦30 million. He said the doctor was released on Wednesday evening at about 8:00 p.m.
Dr Tahir was abducted on January 2 alongside his younger brother at their family residence on City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, while they were opening their compound gate.
Tragedy struck days later when the younger brother was discovered dead on January 5 near Orley River, along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, after being killed by the kidnappers.
According to the victim’s father, raising the ransom required collective efforts from family members, non-governmental organisations, friends, and other concerned individuals who contributed funds to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
He also revealed that Dr Tahir sustained a bullet graze injury to his leg during the period of captivity and is currently receiving medical care. Additionally, one of the abductors, it was gathered, was injured during a confrontation with vigilantes and hunters before the doctor was eventually released.
“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 father said.
“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,” he added.
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