Abducted Oyo farmer regains freedom

The Oyo State Police Command announced the successful rescue of Mathew Owoade, a 60-year-old farmer who had been abducted along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Itesiwaju Local Government Area. The command's spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the farmer regained his freedom on Monday evening.

The liberation of Owoade followed an immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and persistent investigative work by the police. According to Ayanlade, the intense operational pressure exerted on the abductors compelled them to abandon the victim.

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The Oyo State Police Command wishes to update members of the public on the earlier press release issued on July 13, 2026, regarding the abduction of a farmer, Mathew Owoade, who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on July 12, 2026. Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the command, 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.

Owoade has since been transferred to a medical facility for necessary evaluation and treatment. Following his medical attention, he will undergo a debriefing by investigators as part of the ongoing efforts to identify, apprehend, and prosecute all individuals involved in the criminal act. The PUNCH had previously reported that Owoade was kidnapped by gunmen while returning home on Saturday evening.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Abimbola, acknowledged the support received from other security agencies, community members, and residents during the operation. He reaffirmed the command's dedication to safeguarding lives and property, assuring the public that criminal elements would not find refuge in the state.

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The victim has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. Upon completion of medical attention, he will be debriefed by investigators as part of the ongoing investigation aimed at identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all those responsible for the criminal act.