Suspected gunmen have abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, and are demanding a ₦30 million ransom for his release.
The 60-year-old educationist, widely known as “Onaiye,” was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning home from his farm in the Budo Aare area of the council.
According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the victim had gone to inspect his farm and was travelling back between 5pm and 6pm when armed men ambushed him and whisked him away to an unknown location.
He disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded ₦30 million as ransom.
Following the incident, family members and residents launched a search, which led to the discovery of the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a nearby bush at about 8:20 am on Sunday.
However, there was no sign of the abducted headmaster.
The abduction has sparked anxiety across the Igbojaye community and the education sector in Itesiwaju Local Government, with colleagues, residents and family members expressing deep concern over his safety.
They 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 the victim’s safe release and apprehend those behind the crime.
The family also urged members of the public with useful information to assist security agencies in locating the abducted school administrator.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had commenced a rescue operation.
“I can confirm that Mr. Matthew Owoade was kidnapped while at his farm in Budo Aare. Our officers have intensified efforts to rescue him unharmed and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the police spokesperson said.
He added that investigations are ongoing and assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the victim’s safe return.
