- Edo Doctor Freed After Two Weeks in Captivity
- Brother Killed by Kidnappers
- Initially demanding a ransom of N200 million, which was later reduced to N100 million, and eventually N40 million after negotiations with the family
Dr Ibrahim Abu Babatunde, a medical doctor at Edo University Teaching Hospital, Iyamho, has regained his freedom after being held hostage for two weeks, Eko Hot Blog reports.
The doctor and his younger brother, Abu Tahir, a recent medical graduate from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were abducted on January 1, 2026, at the gate of their residence in Igbira Camp, Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.
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Tragically, the abductors killed Tahir on January 6, 2026, and his body was later recovered by security operatives near a riverside. Despite the murder, the kidnappers continued to hold Dr Babatunde, initially demanding a ransom of N200 million, which was later reduced to N100 million, and eventually N40 million after negotiations with the family.
The rescue of Dr Babatunde was confirmed in a viral video circulated on social media, showing Auchi hunters and local vigilantes retrieving him from a forest on Wednesday evening. The doctor sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during the ordeal.
A narrator in the video stated: “He was rescued in a deep forest. I am carrying him from a very long distance. He cannot walk because the kidnappers shot him in the leg.”
The Edo State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Eustace Oseghale, confirmed the release, noting that the state executives will issue an official statement following their ongoing meeting.
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