A 60-year-old farmer, Mr. Mathew Owoade, who was abducted by gunmen in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, has regained his freedom following a coordinated security operation by the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies.
The police said the victim was abandoned by his abductors after sustained pressure from security operatives, bringing an end to an ordeal that began when he was kidnapped while returning home on Saturday.
The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, announced Owoade’s release in a statement issued on Monday in Ibadan.
According to him, the rescue followed the immediate deployment of a joint security operation and intensive investigative efforts aimed at tracking down the kidnappers and securing the victim’s safe return.
He explained that the heavy operational pressure mounted on the criminals forced them to abandon the farmer, who regained his freedom on Monday evening.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to update members of the public on the earlier press release issued on July 13, 2026, regarding the abduction of a farmer, Mathew Owoade, who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on July 12, 2026.
“Following the immediate deployment of a coordinated joint security operation and sustained investigative efforts by the command, 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 added that Owoade had been taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment following his release.
According to the command, the farmer will also be questioned by investigators after receiving medical attention to assist ongoing efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the abduction.
“The victim has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. Upon completion of medical attention, he will be debriefed by investigators as part of the ongoing investigation aimed at identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting all those responsible for the criminal act,” Ayanlade stated.
Owoade was kidnapped on Saturday evening while travelling home along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road, a route that serves many farming communities in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
The incident caused concern among residents, especially farmers who regularly use the road to transport themselves and their farm produce.
His release comes just days after another major security success in Oyo State, where security agencies secured the freedom of pupils and teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
The latest rescue is expected to boost public confidence in the efforts of security agencies to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, praised the combined efforts of security agencies, community leaders and local residents whose cooperation contributed to the successful operation.
He said intelligence supplied by members of the public played an important role in mounting pressure on the kidnappers.
Abimbola also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He assured residents that the police would continue to work closely with other security agencies to ensure that criminal groups do not establish safe havens anywhere in Oyo State.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.
He stressed that community support remains essential in the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s major security challenges in recent years, with criminals targeting farmers, travellers, students and other residents, particularly in rural communities.
Several states have strengthened collaboration among the police, military, local vigilantes and other security organisations in response to the growing threat.
In Oyo State, the government has repeatedly pledged to improve security through increased support for security agencies, better intelligence gathering and closer cooperation with local communities.
Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently maintained that his administration will not relent in its efforts to protect residents and create a safe environment for farming, education and business activities.
The police said investigations into Owoade’s abduction are continuing and expressed confidence that those behind the crime would be identified and brought to justice.
The command appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent crimes and arrest criminal suspects.
With Owoade now reunited with his family, attention has shifted to the ongoing investigation as security operatives intensify efforts to track down the kidnappers and ensure they face prosecution.