The Oyo State Police Command has announced the rescue of a farmer, Owoade Mathew, who was reportedly abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road, following a coordinated security operation that forced his captors to abandon him.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, describing the development as another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
According to the police, Mathew was kidnapped on July 12, 2026, while travelling along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road. The incident triggered an immediate rescue operation involving security personnel and other relevant agencies.
The Command said sustained operational pressure and intensive investigative efforts mounted by the joint security team eventually compelled 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.
Following his release, Mathew was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
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Police said he would subsequently be debriefed by investigators to provide information that could assist ongoing efforts to track down and prosecute those behind the abduction.
Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the security agencies, community leaders and residents whose cooperation contributed to the successful outcome of the operation.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that criminal elements would continue to face sustained pressure across the state.
The police commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains critical to the fight against crime.
The Command added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers, reiterating its commitment to intelligence-driven policing and collaborative security operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent offences in Oyo State.
