By Joy Onu
A farmer abducted along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State has regained his freedom after sustained pressure mounted on his captors by security operatives, the Oyo State Police Command has confirmed.
The victim, identified as Mr. Owoade Mathew, was kidnapped on July 12, 2026, while travelling along the bush road. His release came on the evening of July 13, following what the police described as a coordinated joint security operation and intensive investigative efforts.
According to the Command, the sustained operational pressure forced the abductors to abandon the victim, enabling him to regain his freedom without further harm.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said the victim had been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment.
He said that after receiving medical attention, the farmer would be debriefed by investigators as part of ongoing efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute everyone involved in the abduction.
According to the statement, the investigation into the incident remains active, with security agencies continuing efforts to track down the suspects and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the cooperation of other security agencies, community members and residents whose support contributed to the successful operation.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to find safe haven in Oyo.
The police chief also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and strengthening ongoing operations across the state.
The Command urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities through its emergency channels, including the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 and the Command’s control room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
