The Oyo State Police Command has rescued a 60-year-old farmer, Mathew Owoade, who was abducted along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, attributing the rescue to a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts.
According to the police, the intense pressure mounted by security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on Monday evening.
Owoade has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment. Police said he would be debriefed after receiving medical attention as part of ongoing investigations aimed at identifying and arresting those responsible for the abduction.
The farmer was kidnapped on Saturday while returning home along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road by armed men, prompting an immediate response from security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the efforts of other security agencies, community leaders and residents whose support contributed to the successful operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, assuring residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.