A 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, has been abducted by suspected gunmen, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while the victim was returning home after visiting his farm.
According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the gunmen intercepted his father along the way and whisked him away to an unknown destination. The abductors later contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded N30 million before he would be released.
The family intensified efforts to locate the headmaster, and at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, a search party discovered his abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush, raising further concerns over his safety.
The abduction has thrown the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area into anxiety, with relatives, colleagues, and residents calling on security agencies to act swiftly.
They appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant security agencies to rescue the victim unharmed and ensure those behind the crime are brought to justice.
Members of the public have also been urged to volunteer any useful information that could assist security operatives in locating the kidnapped headmaster.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the victim, identified as Mr. Owoade Matthew, was abducted while at his farm in Budo Aare.
He assured that security operatives have launched efforts to rescue the victim safely and arrest those responsible for the kidnapping.
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