One of the suspects linked to the abduction of Dr Ibrahim Tahir has been killed following a fierce exchange of gunfire involving the kidnappers, local hunters and vigilante operatives shortly after the payment of a ₦50 million ransom.
A member of the hunters’ team was injured during the confrontation, sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.
Dr Tahir was abducted on January 2 alongside his brother, Abu, who was later killed while in captivity, deepening outrage over the incident.
The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of ₦200 million but later slashed the amount to ₦50 million. A partial payment of ₦30 million was reportedly made earlier, but the abductors refused to release the victim at that stage.
According to a family source, Dr Tahir had already regained his freedom before the shootout occurred between the kidnappers and the security volunteers.
Confirming the development, the victim’s father, Momoh Tahir, said his son has been safely released.
The incident highlights the growing role of local hunters and vigilante groups in supporting community security efforts amid persistent kidnapping threats in parts of the country.
