Gunmen have demanded a ₦200 million ransom for the release of a young medical doctor, Ibrahim Tahir, and his brother, Abu, who were abducted in Auchi, Edo State, on January 2.
The father of the victims, Momoh Tahir, told reporters on Sunday that the kidnappers had contacted the family and initially demanded ₦200 million before later agreeing to reduce the ransom to ₦100 million after negotiations.
He said the family was still hopeful that continued dialogue would lead to a further reduction and appealed for prayers for the safe return of his children.
“They have been in touch with us since the abduction. They first asked for ₦200 million, but after negotiations, they reduced it to ₦100 million. We are still hoping that further discussions will bring the amount down,” he said.
Describing the ordeal as traumatic, Tahir added: “It has been a trying period for the family, but we pray that they will come back home safely.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, SP Eno Ikoedem, said the abduction was reported on January 2, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m.
According to her, the Divisional Police Officer of Auchi Division was immediately deployed to the scene, while operatives, in collaboration with vigilantes, forest guards and Community Safety Partnership volunteers familiar with the terrain, commenced an intensive search of the surrounding forest.
“Aggressive search-and-rescue operations are ongoing, and the Command assures the family and the general public that no stone will be left unturned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims,” she said, adding that further updates would be communicated as events unfold.
Ibrahim Tahir is currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.
A family source disclosed that the abduction occurred in front of the doctor’s residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi, while he was attempting to open his gate after returning from work.
“This is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. A young doctor whose only offence is serving humanity has become another victim of insecurity,” the source said, calling on security agencies and the Edo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the brothers’ immediate and unconditional release.
Meanwhile, residents recalled a recent incident in which two brothers, Isaac and Victor Olayere, who were kidnapped along the Adughe–Imoga Road in November, reportedly escaped after their captors fell asleep, raising hopes that sustained pressure could again lead to a positive outcome.
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