Gunmen Abduct Oyo Headmaster, Demand N30m Ransom

Gunmen have abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦30 million for his release.

The 60-year-old educator was said to have been abducted on Saturday evening while returning home after visiting his farm in Budo Aare.

According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., after which the abductors contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ₦30 million ransom.

He disclosed that a search team recovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, raising concerns over his whereabouts.

The family, alongside colleagues and members of the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure Owoade’s safe and unconditional release.

They also called on members of the public to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in locating the abducted headmaster.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the victim was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare.

“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,” Ayanlade said.

The police spokesperson added that rescue operations and investigations into the incident are ongoing.