The Oyo State Police Command has secured the safe release of the farmer and headteacher, Mathew Owoade, who was abducted on Saturday, 12th July 2026 along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in the state.
A statement issued on Monday, 13th July by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, explained that 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 forced them to free Owoade on the evening of 13th July, barely 24 hours after his abduction.
The statement added that the victim has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment, after which he will be debriefed by investigators, as part of efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, has however 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.
