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IBADAN – Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, in Igboti community, Okutalogun area of the state.
The Command, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the arrest followed a coordinated operation launched after the abduction was reported at Okaka Police Division.
According to the police, the incident occurred on June 19, 2026, at about 1am, when a group of about eight armed men invaded Igboti Village through Okutalogun.
The attackers, armed with firearms and cutlasses, allegedly abducted Benua and took him to an unknown destination.
The assailants were also said to have carted away the sum of ₦1.24 million and 50,000 CFA belonging to the victim.
The police said the matter was reported at Okaka Division at about 9 am on the same day, prompting immediate action from the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, who directed a comprehensive manhunt for the suspects.
The operation involved personnel from the Okaka Police Formation, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), and local hunters, who embarked on an intensive search of surrounding bushes and adjoining locations to rescue the victim and apprehend the
perpetrators.
The Command disclosed that a forensic examination of the crime scene and continued search operations led to the arrest of one Yahaya Auta, a 23-year-old male suspect.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the criminal gang involved in the operation and is currently assisting investigators in
efforts to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The police said the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command has been deployed to strengthen the ongoing rescue mission, while intelligence-driven operations continue to secure the safe release of the victim.
“The suspect remains in custody and investigation is ongoing,” the Command stated.
