Police save kidnapped couple in Oyo State

The Oyo State Police have rescued a couple who were kidnapped in Tiro Village, Irawo, Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the police spokesperson, shared this news in a statement on Thursday.

The victims are Alhaji Busiru Booni and his wife, Alhaja Pitiku. They were taken late on Saturday, July 5, 2026, when about five armed men came into Tiro Village, shot into the air, and took them away to an unknown place.

Olayinka said the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, quickly ordered a search-and-rescue mission. This operation involved police officers, the Oyo State Security Network Agency known as Amotekun, local vigilantes, and hunters.

“During the operation, we found a Bajaj motorcycle that had been reported stolen. It was abandoned in a nearby bush, which helped our rescue effort.

“The motorcycle and the use of technology helped the security team find where the criminals were hiding,” the statement said.

The spokesperson added that the suspects shot at the security team when they saw them, which led to a gunfight.

“But because of the thick forest and tough surroundings, the suspects ran away into the bush with different gunshot wounds, leaving the victims behind.

“The victims were rescued without injuries, taken to a medical facility for check-up and treatment, and later discharged after doctors confirmed they were stable. They have now gone back to their family,” he said.

DSP Olayinka asked the community to stay alert and report anyone needing unusual medical care or showing signs of gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or security post.

He said this information would help catch the suspects who are still on the run and stop more crimes from happening.

The police also thanked the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and community members for their quick information and help during the rescue operation.

They promised to keep protecting lives and property in the state and encouraged residents to keep sharing accurate and timely information to help fight crime.