Oyo state Police command on Monday evening made public the safe release of the 60 years old headmaster abducted by gunmen on his farm last Saturday.
The command in a statement by its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said the abducted headmaster regained “his freedom on the evening of 13 July 2026”.
He stressed that the headmaster has since been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to update members of the public on the earlier press release issued on 13 July 2026 regarding the abduction of a farmer, Mr. Owoade Mathew, who was kidnapped along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State on 12 July 2026”, he said.
DSP Ayanlade added, “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 13 July 2026.
“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.”
He stressed, “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, appreciates the unwavering support and cooperation of other security agencies, community members, and all well-meaning citizens throughout the operation”.
While giving assurance that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Oyo state, he urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that will aid ongoing security operations.
