An abducted headteacher and farmer, Owoade Mathew, has been rescued by security operatives following a coordinated operation by the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies.
Mathew was kidnapped on Saturday along the Igbojaye Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State, prompting an immediate security response to secure his release.
Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said sustained intelligence gathering, investigations and intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced them to abandon the victim on Monday evening, less than 24 hours after he was kidnapped.
The police spokesperson explained that the rescue followed a joint operation involving officers of the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies, who worked together to track the kidnappers and ensure the victim’s safe return.
He disclosed that Mathew was taken to a medical facility shortly after his rescue for examination and treatment to ascertain his health condition after the ordeal.
According to him, investigators will debrief the victim after he receives medical care to obtain information that could assist in tracking down those behind the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the professionalism and commitment of the security personnel involved in the operation.
He also appreciated residents and community members for providing timely information that contributed to the successful rescue.
Olugbenga reaffirmed the command’s determination to safeguard lives and property across the state, assuring residents that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely or establish hideouts in Oyo State.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that effective collaboration between residents and law enforcement is vital to addressing security challenges.
The police also advised residents to report suspicious movements and activities through the Oyo State Emergency Response toll free line, 615, or the Police Command Control Room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
