Police rescue abducted Oyo headmaster, farmer after coordinated security operation

The Oyo State Police Command has rescued Mr. Owoade Mathew, a farmer and school headmaster, who was abducted along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State, following a coordinated security operation that mounted sustained pressure on his captors.

The command announced on Monday that the victim regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026, barely 24 hours after he was kidnapped on July 12.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command said the successful rescue was achieved through the swift deployment of a joint security team and intensive investigative efforts aimed at tracking the kidnappers.

According to the police, the sustained operational pressure compelled the abductors to abandon the victim and flee the area.

“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 read.

The police disclosed that the rescued headmaster has been taken to a medical facility for examination and appropriate treatment following his ordeal.

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The command added that after receiving medical care, Mr. Mathew would be debriefed by investigators to provide information that could assist ongoing efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the kidnapping.

Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the collaboration among security agencies, local vigilantes, community leaders and residents, whose support contributed to the victim’s safe rescue.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state, assuring residents that security agencies would continue to intensify operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements.

The police commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide credible intelligence that could help security agencies prevent and combat crime.

Residents were advised to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line, 615, or the Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.

The rescue came amid heightened public concern after reports emerged that the kidnappers had demanded a N30 million ransom for the victim’s release. However, the police said the sustained security operation forced the abductors to abandon their captive before their demands could be met.

The latest rescue underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle the growing threat of kidnapping in parts of Oyo State and reinforces the importance of intelligence-led policing and community cooperation in combating violent crime.