Two held over Oyo man’s abduction as police hunt fleeing gang members

• The suspects. Photo: Police

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the abduction of a 38-year-old man, Nathaniel Peter, in Layeri Village, via Ikoyi-Ile, Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The command said the arrests had provided useful leads towards identifying and apprehending other members of the gang involved in the abduction.

The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Abubakar and 17-year-old Jayun Danali.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Sunday, adding that the suspects were assisting investigators with information concerning the incident.

According to the PPRO, three armed men invaded a family compound in the community at about 4:20am on September 24 and forcibly entered Peter’s room before abducting him.

The assailants reportedly escaped through the National Reserve Forest with the victim’s Hajue motorcycle and mobile phone.

Ayanlade said the incident was reported to the police at about 5:50 pm the same day by a resident of the community, prompting operatives to visit the scene and commence investigation.

He said the arrests were made as part of efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction and secure the victim’s safe rescue.

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The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of a 38-year-old man, Nathaniel Peter, at Layeri Village, via Ikoyi-Ile, Oyo State, following a swift response to a report received in connection with the incident.

“Preliminary findings revealed that three of the armed men forcibly gained entry into the room of Nathaniel Peter, aged 38 years, and abducted him from the premises.

“The assailants subsequently escaped through the National Reserve Forest after reportedly carting away a Hajue motorcycle and the victim’s mobile phone.

“In continuation of the investigation and efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction, operatives arrested two suspects, namely Muhammadu Abubakar, male, adult, and Jayun Danali, male, aged 17 years, who are currently assisting the police with information relevant to the investigation.”

Ayanlade said the arrests had provided “useful investigative leads” towards identifying and apprehending other persons connected with the incident.

He added that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified coordinated operations to rescue Peter and apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

The police spokesman urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the security agencies in their operations.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the state.