The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the abduction of a 20-year-old farmer and cattle rearer, Michael Benua, in the Igboti community of the state.
According to the police, the victim was kidnapped in the early hours of June 19, 2026, when a group of about eight armed men reportedly invaded Igboti Village through the Okutalogun axis.
The attackers, said to be armed with firearms and cutlasses, allegedly abducted Benua and took him to an unknown location. The gang was also accused of making away with ₦1.24 million and 50,000 CFA during the attack.
The incident was reported to the police later that morning, prompting an immediate response from security agencies.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, ordered a coordinated manhunt involving officers from the Okaka Police Formation, operatives 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,” the statement said.
Police disclosed that preliminary investigations, including a forensic examination of the crime scene and search operations in nearby bushes, led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect identified as Yahaya Auta.
According to the Command, Auta confessed to being a member of the kidnapping gang during interrogation and is currently assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the syndicate.
“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 police stated.
The Command added that its Anti-Kidnapping Squad has reinforced ongoing operations as efforts continue to locate and rescue the abducted farmer.
While assuring residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, the police urged members of the public to remain calm and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
The arrested suspect remains in custody, while investigations and rescue operations are ongoing.