Breaking: Gunmen kidnap Oyo school headmaster, demand ₦30 million ransom

Fresh concerns over insecurity in Oyo State have emerged following the abduction of Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, by suspected gunmen who are demanding ₦30 million for his release.

The incident occurred barely days after security agencies successfully rescued dozens of abducted pupils, teachers and caregivers in Oriire Local Government Area, raising fresh fears over the safety of residents in rural communities across the state.

According to available information, Owoade, popularly known in his community as Onaiye, was abducted on Saturday, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while returning home from his farm in Budo Aare, a community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

His son, Abiola Owoade, said the headmaster was intercepted by heavily armed men who forced him into captivity before fleeing to an unknown destination.

The family disclosed that the kidnappers contacted them shortly after the abduction using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ₦30 million ransom for his release.

The ransom demand has thrown the victim’s family, colleagues, pupils and members of the local community into deep anxiety, with many appealing to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.

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In a significant development, a local search team recovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, providing investigators with a possible clue as security operatives continue efforts to locate the abductors.

The kidnapping has sparked widespread condemnation within the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, with teachers, parents and community leaders describing the incident as a serious threat to education and public safety.

They called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) and other security agencies to ensure the immediate and unconditional rescue of the headmaster.

Residents also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the victim and arresting those responsible for the crime.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police had commenced a rescue operation.

“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mr. Owoade Matthew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and arrest the perpetrator,” the police spokesperson said.

Security sources disclosed that intelligence gathering and coordinated search operations are ongoing across the area as security agencies work to secure the victim’s safe release.

The latest abduction comes shortly after the successful rescue of 49 abducted pupils, teachers and caregivers who were freed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the military, police, DSS, Amotekun and other security agencies after being kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area.

The fresh incident has renewed concerns over the activities of kidnappers operating in parts of Oyo State, particularly in remote farming communities where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security patrols and improved intelligence gathering.

Community leaders warned that persistent attacks on farmers, teachers and other residents could negatively affect education, agricultural production and economic activities if urgent and sustained security measures are not implemented.

They urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to strengthen security across vulnerable communities, improve surveillance and ensure that perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes are brought to justice.

As investigations continue, residents remain hopeful that the combined efforts of security agencies will lead to the safe rescue of the abducted headmaster and the arrest of those behind the crime.

Breaking: Gunmen kidnap Oyo school headmaster, demand ₦30 million ransom

Gunmen kill nine family members, two-month-old baby in fresh Plateau attack

Fresh violence has rocked Plateau State after suspected gunmen killed nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, during a deadly overnight attack on Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area.

The attack, described by residents as one of the deadliest assaults on the communities in recent months, reportedly began at about 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for more than an hour. The attackers, who reportedly operated in large numbers, stormed the communities under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately and forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen moved from house to house, attacking helpless residents and leaving a trail of death and destruction. Among those killed were nine members of one family, including a two-month-old infant, in what residents described as a heartbreaking massacre.

A resident, Precious Tok, said the attackers invaded homes without resistance and carried out the killings while many victims were asleep.

“The gunmen came in large numbers, shooting everywhere. We could hear screams from the houses. They entered homes and slaughtered people. It was one of the deadliest attacks we have seen here in recent times,” the resident said.

Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said the victims had no opportunity to escape.

“Even a two-month-old baby was not spared. We ran into the bush for safety and only returned in the morning to see the bodies. We buried our children with our own hands. We are tired of these repeated attacks,” the resident lamented.

The attack also left the village head critically injured after he was reportedly shot by the assailants. He was rushed to a hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident, saying the attackers struck while residents were asleep and unleashed violence on defenceless villagers.

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According to him, the attack completely wiped out one family, including the father, mother and their children, while several other residents sustained injuries.

Tengwong described the killings as another tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting communities in Riyom Local Government Area and other parts of Plateau State.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible, stressing that communities have continued to suffer repeated attacks despite the presence of security personnel in the state.

The latest attack has thrown Kum and Wereng-Camp into mourning, with grieving families calling on the Federal Government, the Plateau State Government and security agencies to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.

Residents said the recurring attacks have displaced many families, disrupted farming activities and heightened fears among communities that depend largely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Following the latest assault, security personnel were deployed to the affected communities to restore calm and prevent further violence, while local authorities commenced efforts to assess the extent of the destruction and provide support for affected families.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack, although community leaders said security agencies had been notified immediately after the incident.

The fresh killings come amid persistent security challenges in Plateau State, where several communities have experienced repeated attacks in recent years, resulting in hundreds of deaths, displacement of residents and destruction of homes and farmlands.

Despite ongoing military and security operations across parts of the state, residents have continued to demand stronger intelligence gathering, increased deployment of security personnel and decisive measures to dismantle armed groups responsible for the recurring violence.

Community leaders, civil society organisations and religious groups have also renewed calls for lasting peace initiatives, justice for victims and improved protection for rural communities vulnerable to attacks.

The latest tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for sustained security interventions and closer collaboration among government, security agencies and local communities to end the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace in Plateau State.

Gunmen kill nine family members, two-month-old baby in fresh Plateau attack

Lagos impounds 309 motorcycles in fresh crackdown on illegal okada operations

The Lagos State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal okada operations, with the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Lagos Taskforce, impounding 309 commercial motorcycles during a large-scale enforcement operation along the ECOWAS Road corridor and surrounding communities.

The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and supported by the Lagos State Police Command, also targeted street trading, illegal structures, environmental violations and other activities considered detrimental to public safety, traffic management and sanitation.

According to the Taskforce, the operation forms part of the Lagos State Government‘s ongoing enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles operating on highways and other restricted routes. Officials said the exercise also aligns with the state’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which prioritises safer roads, improved environmental standards and enhanced security across Lagos.

Authorities noted that illegal commercial motorcycle operators have continued to violate traffic regulations despite repeated warnings, contributing to road accidents, traffic congestion and security concerns in different parts of the state.

The enforcement covered multiple locations along the busy ECOWAS Road corridor, including Orile-Iganmu Bus Stop, Suru-Alaba Bus Stop, Mile 2 Underbridge, Mazamaza Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Iyana-Ira, Abule-Ado, Alakija Bus Stop, Iyana-Iba, Alaba Rago, Old Ojo Road and Okoko Bus Stop.

These locations have long been identified by the government as flashpoints for illegal commercial motorcycle activities, indiscriminate street trading and environmental infractions that disrupt traffic flow and threaten public order.

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Beyond seizing the 309 motorcycles, enforcement officers dismantled illegal kiosks, makeshift stalls, roadside shanties, unauthorised plank structures and other illegal developments erected on road setbacks and public spaces.

The operation also led to the removal of abandoned household items, illegally displayed building materials and domestic animals obstructing roads, drainage channels and pedestrian walkways. Officials said the exercise significantly improved traffic movement, restored order and enhanced environmental sanitation across the affected communities.

The Taskforce disclosed that all 309 impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the Lagos State Government through the courts in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Authorities warned that commercial motorcycle operators who continue to ply prohibited routes risk losing their motorcycles permanently in addition to possible prosecution under existing traffic laws.

Speaking after the operation, Chairman of the Lagos Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, described the level of lawlessness and indiscriminate development along the ECOWAS Road corridor as deeply concerning.

According to him, illegal ticketing, roadside trading and the activities of commercial motorcycle operators on restricted routes have created conditions that encourage criminality, traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

Akerele stressed that the government would continue to enforce the law without compromise to ensure that Lagos remains safe and orderly.

He said, “No stone will be left unturned in our determination to restore sanity. It is high time criminal elements operating in Lagos State either desist from these unlawful activities or relocate. We will continue to enforce the law without fear or favour in order to guarantee a safer, cleaner and more orderly Lagos for everyone.”

The Taskforce chairman added that some criminal elements have allegedly exploited illegal commercial motorcycle operations as cover for offences such as robbery, kidnapping and other security breaches, making sustained enforcement necessary.

The latest operation forms part of the Lagos State Government‘s broader efforts to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, strengthen environmental sanitation and combat crime across the state.

Over the past few years, the government has maintained restrictions on commercial motorcycles on major highways and designated routes, arguing that the policy has helped reduce fatal road accidents, improve traffic management and enhance public safety.

The Taskforce said enforcement operations would continue across all parts of Lagos, warning that violators of the state’s transport and environmental laws would face arrest, prosecution and forfeiture of their motorcycles where applicable.

Residents were also urged to support government efforts by complying with existing regulations and reporting illegal activities capable of threatening public safety or disrupting traffic flow.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven enforcement operations aimed at ensuring a cleaner, safer and more organised Lagos.

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Lagos impounds 309 motorcycles in fresh crackdown on illegal okada operations