Oyo Police Secure Release of Abducted Farmer, Intensify Hunt for Kidnappers
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the safe release of a farmer, Mr. Owoade Mathew, who was abducted along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on July 12, 2026.
The Command, in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the victim regained his freedom on the evening of July 13 following a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by security operatives.
According to the statement, the intense operational pressure mounted by the police and other security agencies forced the abductors to abandon the victim, leading to his safe rescue.
The police disclosed that Owoade has been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment, and would be debriefed by investigators after receiving medical attention as part of ongoing efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the abduction.
