Suspected kidnappers have abducted Matthew Kolawale Owoade, a 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, hours after the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from another part of the state.
The abductors are demanding N30 million ransom for his release.
—How it happened—
The victim, popularly known in the community as “Onaiye”, was reportedly kidnapped while returning home after visiting his farm in the Budo Aare area.
His son, Abiola Owoade, said the gunmen later contacted the family through the headmaster’s phone to make the ransom demand.
A search party later recovered Owoade’s motorcycle, abandoned in a bush, further heightening fears over his safety.
—Police confirm abduction—
The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident.
He said security operatives have launched efforts to rescue the victim and track down the perpetrators, with an investigation and rescue operation already underway.
—Community reacts—
The abduction has sparked concern among residents of Igbojaye and neighbouring communities.
Community members have appealed to the Police, DSS, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies to act swiftly to secure the headmaster’s safe release.
The incident comes shortly after security authorities announced the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in another part of Oyo State, highlighting persistent security challenges in the state.
Authorities say efforts to locate Owoade and apprehend the kidnappers are ongoing.
