Oyo Police Track Down Kidnap Suspect, Intensify Hunt for Fleeing Gang Members

IBADAN, NIGERIA — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate linked to the abduction of a 20-year-old livestock farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, in the Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the breakthrough followed swift operational and forensic measures launched immediately after the incident was reported at the Okaka Police Division.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a k+dnapping gang involved in the abd¥ction of a 20-year-old farmer from Igboti village in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state.

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The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Yahaya Auta, was apprehended following a coordinated operation launched after the incident was reported to the Okaka Police Division on June 19.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the victim was k+ around 1 a.m. by about eight armed men who stormed Igboti village through the Okutalogun axis. The att@ckers, armed with g¥ns and c¥tlasses, reportedly whisked the farmer away to an unknown location.

The gang also allegedly made away with ₦1.24 million and 50,000 CFA during the att@ck.

Following the report, Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga ordered a massive manhunt involving police operatives, Amotekun personnel and local hunters. The joint security team combed surrounding forests and nearby communities in a bid to rescue the victim and track down the k+dnappers.

Police said forensic investigations and intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of Auta, whose involvement in the crime was established during preliminary findings.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the gang and is now assisting investigators in identifying and arresting other fleeing members of the syndicate.

The Command disclosed that its Anti-K+dnapping Squad has intensified efforts to rescue the victim and dismantle the criminal network.