Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang involved in the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, in Oke-Ogun area of the state.
The command said efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident was reported at Okaka Police Division on June 19, 2026.
The police said the abduction occurred in the early hours of the same day when about eight armed men reportedly stormed Igboti Village through the Okutalogun axis.
The attackers, armed with guns and cutlasses, allegedly kidnapped Benua and took him to an unknown destination. They 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, ordered an immediate manhunt for the kidnappers.
A joint security team comprising operatives from the Okaka Police Formation, personnel of the Amotekun Corps and local hunters was deployed to comb surrounding forests and neighbouring communities in search of the victim and his abductors.
Police said a forensic examination of the crime scene and intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as 23-year-old Yahaya Auta.
Investigators said the suspect confessed to being a member of the gang and is currently assisting security operatives in tracking down other fleeing suspects and locating the victim.
The Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad has since reinforced ongoing operations in the area.
“The Command wishes to reassure the good people of Oyo State that this unfortunate incident is being treated with the utmost urgency and seriousness,” the statement said.
It added: “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 police further assured residents of their commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
“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 statement added.
Police urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
The arrested suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.