The Oyo State Police Command has secured the safe release of Mr. Owoade Mathew, a farmer and headteacher who was abducted on Saturday, 12th July 2026 along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, 13th July 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.
According to the Command, intense operational pressure mounted on the hoodlums led them to free Mr. Mathew on the evening of 13th July, barely 24 hours after his abduction.
The victim has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. Police said he will 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, and that criminal elements will have no safe haven in the state.
“We appreciate the unwavering support and cooperation of all stakeholders. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations,” CP Olugbenga stated.
The Command also released emergency contact lines for residents: Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line 615, and Police Command Control Room 08081768614 & 07055495413
