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Oyo State Police Command has rescued a farmer, Owoade Mathew, who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road after a coordinated security operation forced his abductors to abandon him.
The police said Mathew was abducted on July 12, 2026, while travelling through the area, prompting an immediate rescue operation by security personnel and other relevant agencies.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the police described the rescue as another success in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.
The command said sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to release their victim.
“The intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026,” the statement said.
After his release, Mathew was taken to a medical facility for proper examination and treatment.
Police added that he would later assist investigators with information that could help track and arrest those behind the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the security teams, community leaders and residents who supported the operation.
He assured residents that the command would continue to work towards protecting lives and property while maintaining pressure on criminal groups operating in the state.
The police also urged members of the public to remain alert and provide useful information to security agencies, noting that community cooperation remains important in tackling crime.
The command said efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspected kidnappers, adding that intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies will continue across Oyo State.
