Police arrest suspect as hunt continues for abducted victim in Oyo

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Oyo State Police Command has announced that detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with the abduction of a 20‑year‑old farmer reported in the Okaka Division,

The Command in a statement on Saturday by its spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, search-and-rescue operations continue for the missing victim.

“The swift and coordinated operational measures undertaken following the report have yielded significant progress,” the command said, confirming the arrest of 23‑year‑old Yahaya Auta after a forensic sweep and combing of nearby bushland.

According to the police, the suspect “confessed to being a member of the gang” and is assisting investigators to apprehend other fleeing members.

The incident was first reported on 19 June 2026 at about 0900hrs, after information indicated that at about 0100hrs the same day a group of “about eight armed men invaded Igboti Village via Okutalogun.”

The attackers allegedly abducted Michael Benua, a 20‑year‑old farmer and cattle rearer, and made off with ₦1,240,000 and 50,000 CFA.

Commissioner of Police CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga directed a joint manhunt involving the Okaka Police Formation, the Amotekun Corps and local hunters.

The command said those “intelligence‑driven efforts are being intensified to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted victim and the apprehension of all other members of the criminal network.”

The police added, “The Command remains resolute and fully committed to protecting lives and property across the state, and no effort will be spared in bringing every member of the criminal gang to justice.”

The Anti‑Kidnapping Squad has reinforced ongoing operations, and the arrested suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.

Residents were urged to “remain calm and law‑abiding” and to support security agencies with timely and credible information.