Kidnapped Edo Medical Doctor Regains Freedom After Two Weeks in Captivity

Dr. Ibrahim Abu Babatunde, a doctor who was kidnapped along with his brother in Edo State, has been released after two weeks in captivity.

Dr. Babatunde, a resident physician at Edo University Hospital in Iyamho, was kidnapped on January 1, 2026, along with his younger brother, Abu Tahir, a young doctor who had recently graduated from Ambrose Alli University. The kidnapping took place in front of their home in the Igbira Camp neighborhood of Auchi, the capital of the Etsako West administrative district.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 200 million naira for the brothers. Tragically, Tahir was killed by his captors on January 6, 2026. His body was later found by security forces near a river.

Despite the murder, the gunmen held Dr. Babatunde remained a hostage and reportedly reduced the ransom demand to 100 million Naira, an amount that was later negotiated down to 40 million Naira.

Dr. Babatunde was freed Wednesday evening in a coordinated operation by hunters and members of a local militia in a wooded area of ​​the region. Reports indicate that one of his captors was killed in the operation.

The doctor had been shot in the leg during his captivity and was carried by militia members to a waiting vehicle because his injury prevented him from walking.

The president of the Nigerian Medical Association in Edo State, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, confirmed Dr. Babatunde’s release and added that the association’s state board had met and would issue an official statement.

This incident has heightened concerns about the security situation in northern Edo State and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect the population and property.