Kwara State Police Command and vigilantes have rescued the traditional ruler of Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area of the state, Oba Moses Oyinloye, who was abducted on August 22, 2026.
Oba Oyinloye was abducted by armed bandits who invaded Igbesi community on the fateful day.
Vanguard reliably gathered that the operation was triggered by information received at about 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Oro Police Station when a vigilante identified as Mr Abdul reported that one of his colleagues sustained a gunshot wound to the hand while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.
Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Oro Police Station reportedly mobilised a joint team of police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the reported location to investigate the incident and pursue the suspected criminals.
The security team reportedly came under fire after encountering the suspected kidnappers while the operatives responded, resulting in a gun duel during which one suspected member of the kidnapping gang was neutralised.
The confrontation also forced other members of the gang to abandon their position and flee into the surrounding terrain.
Security operatives subsequently launched a sustained pursuit, maintaining pressure on the fleeing suspects as they moved through the area.
The operation eventually led to the discovery and rescue of Oba Omotayo and two other victims identified by the police as Maryam Abubakar and Aisha Ilyasu.
The three victims were evacuated and taken to a private hospital in Oro for medical attention.
Though sources claimed that some residents were kidnapped alongside the monarch, the state Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said it was only Oba Oyinloye that was abducted.
The Commissioner of Police also said that the monarch was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area.
“Yes, the Onigbesi has been rescued by the policemen from the kidnappers’ hideout. He’s receiving treatment at an hospital in Oro. This is all I can tell you for now,” Adekimi said.
He also reiterated that the police and other security agencies would not allow kidnappers and other violent criminals to establish safe havens in Kwara State.
Adekimi therefore appealed to residents to continue providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing attacks and apprehending criminal suspects.
