Kidnapped Oyo Headmaster regains freedom as – Police

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the release of kidnapped headmaster, Mathew Owoade, after sustained security operations forced his abductors to abandon him.

Owoade, a 60-year-old farmer and headmaster, was abducted on Saturday evening along the Igbojaye–Budo Aare bush road in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement on Monday that the victim regained his freedom following an intensive joint security operation launched immediately after the incident.

According to the police, persistent investigative efforts and coordinated pressure mounted by security operatives compelled the kidnappers to abandon the victim 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 read.

The police said the rescued headmaster has been taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment before investigators commence a formal debriefing as part of ongoing efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those behind the abduction.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, commended other security agencies, members of the local community and residents for their cooperation during the rescue operation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that security agencies would continue to pursue criminal elements and deny them any safe haven in the state.

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