The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, who was kidnapped by armed men in Igboti community in the Oke-Ogun area of the state.
The command said one suspect linked to the incident has been arrested, while efforts have been intensified to rescue the victim and apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
According to the police, the incident was reported at the Okaka Police Division on June 19, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m., following information that a group of about eight armed men invaded Igboti Village via Okutalogun earlier that day.
The assailants, who were reportedly armed with firearms and cutlasses, allegedly abducted Michael Benua at about 1:00 a.m. and took him to an unknown destination. The attackers were also said to have stolen ₦1.24 million and 50,000 CFA during the operation.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed an extensive manhunt involving operatives of the Okaka Police Division, personnel of the Amotekun Corps and local hunters.
The joint security team subsequently launched intensive operations, combing surrounding forests and adjoining communities in a bid to rescue the victim and track down the kidnappers.
The police disclosed that preliminary investigations, including a forensic examination of the crime scene and searches around the affected area, led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect identified as Yahaya Auta.
According to the command, the suspect confessed to being a member of the kidnapping gang and is currently assisting investigators in efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and facilitate the safe rescue of the victim.
The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad has also been deployed to reinforce ongoing operations, while search-and-rescue efforts continue.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations progress.
In a statement, the police assured residents of Oyo State of their commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that no effort would be spared in bringing all those involved in the crime to justice.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.
