Dare Babalola
Oyo State Police Command has rescued four passengers kidnapped on the Igbeti-Kishi Road in Irepo Local Government Area.
The information was confirmed in a statement by Olayinka Ayanlade, Public Relations Officer of the command, issued in Ibadan on Friday.
Ayanlade stated that the passengers were kidnapped early Thursday when armed men emerged from a nearby bush, blocked the road, and intercepted a commercial bus travelling from Igbeti to Kishi.
According to the police image maker in the state, the attackers forcibly took four passengers into the bush during the raid.
Ayanlade disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officers in Igbeti and Kishi, along with tactical teams, to launch a rescue operation.
The statement read, “The Oyo State Police command wishes to inform the general public that four passengers abducted in the early hours of 5th March, 2026, along the Igbeti–Kishi Road have been successfully rescued following a swift and coordinated security response.
“Immediately the report was received, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, promptly directed the Divisional Police Officers of Igbeti and Kishi Divisions, in conjunction with relevant tactical teams, to mobilise all necessary operational resources to ensure the victims were rescued unhurt.
“Acting on this directive, a combined security team comprising Police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security stakeholders swiftly moved to the area and commenced intensive combing of the surrounding forests.
“The sustained bush combing operation, which lasted for several hours, mounted significant pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the scene. Consequently, the four victims were successfully rescued unhurt, have regained their freedom, and have since been reunited with their families.”
The police spokesman noted that security operatives had continued combing the area to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the perpetrators.
