The Oyo State Police Command has rescued an abducted headteacher, Owoade Mathew, following a coordinated operation with other security agencies, less than 24 hours after he was kidnapped along the Igbojaye-Budo Aare bush road in Oyo State.
Mathew, who is also a farmer, was abducted on Saturday, July 12, 2026, prompting an immediate security response by the police and other agencies to secure his safe release and apprehend those responsible for the crime.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said sustained investigative efforts and intense operational pressure mounted on the kidnappers forced them to abandon the victim on Monday evening.
According to the command, the successful rescue resulted from a coordinated operation involving officers of the Oyo State Police Command and other security agencies, whose intelligence-driven efforts led to the victim’s recovery without the payment of ransom.
Following his rescue, Mathew was taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment to assess his condition after the ordeal. The police said he would also be debriefed by investigators after receiving medical attention to provide information that could assist in tracking down the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the professionalism, courage and dedication of officers and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation. He also appreciated community members whose timely information and cooperation contributed to the mission’s success.
The commissioner reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely or establish safe havens in Oyo. He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The command further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that public cooperation remains vital in combating crime. It advised members of the public to report suspicious activities through the Oyo State Emergency Response toll-free line, 615, or the Police Command Control Room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
