Gunmen Kidnap Oyo School Headmaster, Demand ₦30 Million Ransom as Police Launch Rescue Operation

Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Oyo State after suspected bandits abducted a 60-year-old school headmaster and demanded ₦30 million for his release.

The victim, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye,” is the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area. He was reportedly kidnapped while returning from his farm by armed men who intercepted him along the route.

His son, Abiola Owoade, disclosed that the abductors later contacted the family through the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million before they would release him.

As the search for the educator intensified, residents discovered his abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush on Sunday, deepening fears over his safety and prompting renewed calls for urgent security intervention.

The incident has thrown the community into mourning, with residents appealing to the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the headmaster’s immediate and unconditional release.

Confirming the abduction, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security operatives have already launched efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.

“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mr. Owoade Mathew, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unhurt and arrest the perpetrator,” Ayanlade said.

The latest kidnapping comes only days after the Federal Government announced the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers who had earlier been abducted in Oyo State, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing parts of the state despite ongoing rescue operations