The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper in connection with the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, in Igboti Village, while efforts continue to rescue the victim and apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
According to the Police Command, the breakthrough followed swift and coordinated operations launched after the abduction was reported at the Okaka Division.
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 19, 2026, when about eight armed men reportedly invaded Igboti Village via Okutalogun at about 1:00 a.m. The attackers, armed with firearms and cutlasses, allegedly abducted Benua and took him to an unknown destination.
The suspects were also said to have made away with ₦1.24 million and 50,000 CFA during the attack.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed a comprehensive manhunt involving operatives of the Okaka Police Formation, personnel of the Amotekun Corps, and local hunters.
The joint security team subsequently launched intensive search operations across surrounding forests and adjoining communities in a bid to rescue the victim and track down the perpetrators.
The Police Command disclosed that preliminary investigations, including a forensic examination of the crime scene and extensive combing of nearby bushes, led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect identified as Yahaya Auta.
According to the police, the suspect confessed during interrogation to being a member of the kidnapping gang and is currently assisting investigators in efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and secure the victim’s release.
The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad has since reinforced ongoing operations, while search-and-rescue efforts continue across the area.
Police said the suspect remains in custody and that investigations are ongoing.
The Oyo State Police Command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that no effort would be spared in bringing all members of the criminal gang to justice.
The Command also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
