Gunmen abduct Oyo headmaster, demand N30m ransom as Police launch rescue operation

A 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, has been abducted by suspected gunmen, with his captors reportedly demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.

The victim, popularly known as “Onaiye,” was allegedly kidnapped on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while returning from his farm.

According to his son, Mr. Abiola Owoade, the headmaster was intercepted by armed men on his way home after visiting his farm. Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers allegedly contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded N30 million before he could be released.

The incident has thrown the Igbojaye community and the education sector in Itesiwaju Local Government Area into anxiety, as relatives, colleagues and residents continue to hope for his safe return.

In a further development, members of a search party reportedly recovered Mr. Owoade’s abandoned motorcycle in a bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

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The family has appealed to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant authorities, to intensify efforts to rescue the school administrator unharmed.

They also urged members of the public with useful information that could aid the rescue operation to promptly report it to security agencies.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the police had commenced efforts to secure the victim’s release and apprehend those responsible.

“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mr. Owoade Mathew, 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 operatives have since intensified investigations into the incident, as concerns grow over the recurring cases of kidnapping targeting farmers and residents in parts of Oyo State. Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and bring the kidnappers to justice.