A medical doctor, Dr Ibrahim Abu Babatunde, has regained freedom after two weeks in captivity.
Dr Babatunde, who is currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo University Teaching Hospital, Iyamho, was kidnapped on January 1, 2026, together with his younger brother, Abu Tahir, while returning home after closing from work.
The abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of N200 million for their release. However, before the ransom could be raised, they killed his younger brother, Tahir Abu, on January 6, 2026.
Following Tahir’s death, the kidnappers were said to have reduced the ransom demand to N100 million and later to N40 million.
The news of Dr Babatunde’s release became public through a viral video shared on various social media platforms.
In the video, a voice could be heard saying that hunters and local vigilantes from Auchi rescued him on Wednesday evening at about 8 p.m. in a forest area.
According to the narration, the vigilantes neutralised one of the abductors during the rescue operation.
The video also showed the vigilantes assisting the doctor into a waiting vehicle after his rescue.
It was further stated that the doctor sustained a gunshot injury to his leg.
Confirming the development, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the abducted doctor had been reunited with his family.
“Yes, he has been reunited with his family,” she said.
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