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The kidnapped doctor in Auchi, Edo State, Dr. Tahir Abu, whose brother was killed by the kidnappers, has regained his freedom after his family paid a ransom of ₦50 million.
Dr. Abu and his younger brother were abducted on January 2 at their residence along City Pride Road, Igbira Camp, Auchi.
The father of the victim said the ransom was paid in two tranches—N20 million and N30 million—before his son was released on Wednesday morning at around 8 a.m.
Read Also: Terrorism: Sokoto Leaders Decry Recent Threats By Bello Turji
He added that the ransom was raised through combined efforts from the family, donations from non-governmental organisations, friends, and other well-wishers.
“My son has been released by the kidnappers after we paid N50 million. I feel relieved that he is safe, but I also mourn the loss of another son,” he said.
“The family, organisations, friends, and well-wishers contributed to the N50 million ransom. My son was grazed by a bullet, but he is now receiving treatment at a hospital.”
The Edo State Police Command PPRO, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the release of the victim on Thursday.
Stakeholders from the troubled Eastern Senatorial District of Sokoto State have called on the government and security agencies to urgently come to the aid of Tidibale and other communities displaced by the activities of notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji.
The Secretary of the Sokoto Eastern Zone Development Association, Muazu Shamaki, confirmed that a recent video circulating on social media showing residents of Tidibale vacating their communities followed alleged threats issued by Turji. He said the development had subjected residents to untold hardship.
According to Shamaki, more than 20 settlements have been affected by the spate of threats and forced displacement.
