Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Intensify Search for Abducted Farmer in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang following the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer in Oyo State.

The victim, identified as Michael Benua, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of June 19 at Igboti Village via Okutalogun in the Saki East area of the state.

According to the police, about eight armed men invaded the community at about 1 a.m., abducted the victim and fled to an unknown destination. The attackers were also alleged to have stolen ₦1.24 million and 50,000 CFA during the operation.

Police spokesperson, DSP Adewale Osifeso Ayanlade, said the incident was reported later in the morning, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, to order an immediate manhunt for the perpetrators.

He said a joint team comprising police operatives, personnel of the Amotekun Corps and local hunters launched a search operation in surrounding forests and neighbouring communities to rescue the victim and track down the suspects.

The police disclosed that one suspect, identified as Yahaya Auta, 23, was arrested during investigations and a forensic examination of the crime scene.

According to the command, the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the gang and is assisting investigators in efforts to arrest other fleeing members and secure the victim’s release.

“The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad has reinforced ongoing operations, while intensive search-and-rescue efforts continue,” the statement said.

The police added that the suspect remains in custody while investigations are ongoing.

The command assured residents that efforts were being intensified to rescue the victim and bring all those involved in the crime to justice.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information to support crime-fighting efforts.