Oyo police nab 23-year-old suspect involved in kidnapping of farmer, cattle rearer

…As efforts on-going to rescue, apprehend other gang members

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested one Yahaya Auta, male, aged 23, years,a suspected member of a kidnapping gang linked to the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, in Igboti Village via Okutalogun area of Oyo state.
Ayanlade Olayinka, Deputy superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said in a statement that the attackers were also said to have made away with ₦1.24 million and 50,000 CFA.

According to the report, the assailants, armed with firearms and cutlasses, abducted Michael Benua, a 20-year-old male farmer and cattle rearer from the Igboti community, and whisked him away to an unknown destination. The attackers also allegedly carted away the sum of ₦1,240,000 and 50,000 CFA.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed a wholistic manhunt comprising operatives of the Okaka Police Formation, personnel of the Amotekun Corps and local hunters.

The joint team embarked on intensive combing of the surrounding bushes and adjoining locations with a view to rescuing the victim and apprehending the perpetrators.

“During the preliminary investigation, forensic sweep of the scene of crime and combing of the surrounding bushes led to the arrest of one Yahaya Auta, male, aged 23 years, whose involvement in the criminal act was established. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the gang and is currently assisting investigators with efforts aimed at apprehending other fleeing members of the syndicate and securing the safe rescue of the victim.

The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, the PPRO said has reinforced ongoing operations, while intensive search and rescue efforts continue while the suspect remains in custody and investigation is ongoing.

“The Command confirms that swift and coordinated operational measures undertaken following the report have yielded significant progress, resulting in the arrest of one suspect linked to the incident.

” Investigations remain active and 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 Command wishes to reassure the good people of Oyo State that this unfortunate incident is being treated with the utmost urgency and seriousness.

Residents are encouraged to remain calm and law-abiding, as security agencies have intensified coordinated operations to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of all those involved.

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 Oyo State Police Command assures residents of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.