The Oyo State Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer who was seized by armed men in Igboti village in the early hours of Friday.
Police said the suspect, identified as Yahaya Auta, 23, was arrested during a forensic sweep of the crime scene and a search of the surrounding bush. He has reportedly confessed to being a member of the gang and is assisting investigators in efforts to track down the remaining suspects and rescue the victim.
According to a statement issued Saturday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on June 19 when roughly eight armed men invaded Igboti village via Okutalogun. The attack was reported to police at the Okaka Division at about 9:00 a.m. the same day.
The gang, armed with firearms and cutlasses, abducted Michael Benua, a farmer and cattle rearer from the community, and took him to an unknown location, police said. The attackers also made off with ₦1,240,000 and 50,000 CFA francs in cash.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered an immediate manhunt involving operatives from the Okaka Police Formation, the Amotekun Corps, and local hunters. The joint team has been combing the surrounding bushes and nearby locations in search of the victim and the fleeing suspects.
The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad has since reinforced the operation, and police say search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The arrested suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Police urged residents to remain calm and report any useful information, saying no effort would be spared in rescuing the victim and apprehending the rest of the gang.
Members of the public can reach the Oyo State Call Response Centre on the toll-free line 615, or the Police Command Control Room at 08081768614 or 07055495413.
