Man Abducted In Oyo
The Oyo State Police Command has secured the safe release of Mr. Owoade Mathew, a farmer and headteacher who was abducted on Saturday, July 12, 2026, along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the police said a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts forced the abductors to abandon the victim.
The Command said intense operational pressure mounted on the hoodlums compelled them to release Mr. Mathew on the evening of July 13, barely 24 hours after his abduction.
The victim has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. The police said he would be debriefed by investigators after receiving medical attention as part of efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, commended the support of other security agencies, community members and residents during the operation.
He reassured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, assuring that criminal elements would have no safe haven in the state.
The Commissioner appreciated the unwavering support and cooperation of all stakeholders and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.
The Command also released emergency contact lines for residents: the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line, 615, and the Police Command Control Room numbers, 08081768614 and 07055495413.
