The Oyo State Police Command says an abducted farmer, Mr Owoade Mathew, has regained his freedom after sustained security operations forced his captors to abandon him.
Mathew was kidnapped on 12 July along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said a coordinated operation involving the police and other security agencies mounted intense pressure on the kidnappers, leading them to abandon the victim on the evening of 13 July.
The police said the farmer has been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment and will be debriefed by investigators after receiving medical attention as efforts continue to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the abduction.
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Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the support of other security agencies, community members and residents during the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to find safe haven in Oyo State.
The command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
