The Oyo State Police Command said intense security operations forced gunmen to abandon a farmer they had kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road, leading to his safe rescue on Monday.

The victim, Mr. Owoade Mathew, was abducted on Sunday, July 12, according to a statement issued Monday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.

Following the incident, the command said it deployed a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts.

“The intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of 13 July 2026,” the statement said.

Ayanlade said the farmer has been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.

He added that he would be debriefed by investigators after receiving medical attention as part of efforts to “identify, apprehend, and prosecute all those responsible for the criminal act.”

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the support of other security agencies, community members and residents during the operation.

“He reassures residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Oyo State,” the PPRO stated.

The command also urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid security operations. (The Sun)

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