The Oyo State Police Command has rescued Mr. Owoade Mathew, the farmer and headmaster, who was abducted along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State, following sustained pressure mounted on his captors through a coordinated security operation.
The command announced on Monday that the victim regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026, barely a day after he was kidnapped on July 12.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said the rescue followed the immediate deployment of a joint security operation and intensive investigative efforts aimed at tracking down the abductors.
According to the police, the sustained operational pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee.
“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,” the statement said.
The police disclosed that the rescued headmaster has been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment.
It added that after receiving medical attention, the victim would be debriefed by investigators to aid ongoing efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the cooperation of other security agencies, community members and residents whose support contributed to the successful operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and vowed that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely in Oyo.
The police boss also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that would assist security agencies in combating crime.
The command advised members of the public to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line, 615, or the Police Command Control Room via 08081768614 and 07055495413.
The rescue comes barely hours after reports emerged that the abductors had demanded a ₦30 million ransom for the farmer’s release, heightening concerns over rising kidnapping incidents in parts of the state.
