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

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.

READ ALSO:

• Gunmen kill nine family members, two-month-old baby in fresh Plateau attack
• Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll
• WoPU Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Launches ‘Responsible Citizen’ Campaign

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