By The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Yahaya Auta, in connection with the abduction of a 20-year-old man, Michael Benua, in Igboti Village, Oyo State.
In a statement on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said Auta’s link to a suspected crime syndicate was established during interrogation while in custody.
According to the statement, about eight armed men, wielding firearms and cutlasses, stormed Igboti Village via Okutalogun at about 1:00 a.m. on June 19 and abducted Benua, a farmer and cattle rearer, to an unknown location.
The attackers also reportedly carted away ₦1,240,000 and 50,000 CFA.
The police said the incident was reported at about 9:00 a.m. at the Okaka Division, prompting a joint manhunt ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, immediately directed a holistic manhunt comprising operatives of the Okaka Police Formation, personnel of the Amotekun Corps and local hunters. The joint team embarked on intensive combing of surrounding bushes and adjoining locations with a view to rescuing the victim and apprehending the perpetrators,” the statement read.
Mr. Olayinka added that sustained search efforts later led to the arrest of Yahaya Auta, who confessed to being part of the gang and is currently assisting investigators in efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects and secure the victim’s rescue.
He further noted that the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command has continued operations in the area, assuring residents of the police commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
The police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
