GUNMEN have abducted a 60-year-old headmaster, Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦30 million for his release.
Owoade, who serves as the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning home from his farm.
According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on July 11, 2026.
He explained that shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million.
Abiola added that a search team later discovered his father’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday.
The family has appealed to security agencies including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), local hunters, and vigilantes to intensify efforts to secure the victim’s safe release.
The incident has also sparked concern among Owoade’s colleagues and members of the local education community, who expressed sadness over the abduction.
Confirming the development, the Oyo State Police Command said investigations are ongoing.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that the victim was abducted while working on his farm in Budo Aare and assured that security operatives are making efforts to rescue him unharmed and apprehend those responsible.
The latest incident comes just days after more than 40 pupils and teachers who had been abducted from schools in Oyo State were rescued by joint security forces after spending 56 days in captivity.
The earlier rescue has renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect residents, particularly in rural communities.
