Fresh kidnapping hits Oyo as gunmen abduct school headmaster

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victim, identified as Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye,” was reportedly returning from his farm when he was intercepted and taken away by the armed assailants.

His son, Abiola Owoade, said the kidnappers later contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

During a search for the headmaster on Sunday, his motorcycle was found abandoned in a nearby bush.

The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents appealing 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 Mr. Owoade’s immediate and unconditional release.

The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction.

“I can confirm that a farmer, Mr. Owoade Matthew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare. Efforts are ongoing to rescue him unharmed and apprehend those responsible,” Ayanlade said.

The latest abduction comes shortly after the Federal Government announced the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who had been kidnapped in the same state.