A medical doctor, Dr Ibrahim Abu Babatunde, has regained his freedom after spending about two weeks in captivity in Edo State.
Dr Babatunde, a house officer at the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Iyamho, was abducted on January 1, 2026, alongside his younger brother, Abu Tahir, while returning home from work.
The abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦200 million for their release. However, before the ransom could be raised, the kidnappers reportedly killed Tahir on January 6, 2026.
Following the death of his brother, the ransom demand was said to have been reduced first to ₦100 million and later to ₦40 million.
News of Dr Babatunde’s rescue emerged through a video that circulated widely on social media. In the footage, a narrator claimed that local hunters and vigilantes from Auchi rescued the doctor on Wednesday evening at about 8:00 p.m. in a forest area.
According to the narration, one of the abductors was neutralised during the rescue operation. The video also showed the vigilantes assisting Dr Babatunde into a waiting vehicle after his release.
It was further disclosed that the doctor sustained a gunshot injury to his leg and is receiving medical attention.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the abducted doctor has been reunited with his family.
“Yes, he has been reunited with his family,” she confirmed.
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