Kidnappers Strike in Oyo, Seize School Headmaster, Demands…

A wave of anxiety has gripped residents of Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of a school headmaster by suspected kidnappers who are demanding a staggering ₦30 million ransom for his release.
Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning home from his farm. The 60-year-old educator, popularly known as “Onaiye,” was said to have been ambushed by armed men between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and taken to an unknown location.
According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the abductors contacted the family shortly after the incident using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded ₦30 million before setting him free.
The development has left the family and community in distress as they anxiously await further communication from the kidnappers.
Adding to the growing concern, a search party reportedly discovered Owoade’s motorcycle abandoned in a bush on Sunday morning at about 8:20 a.m., a discovery that deepened fears over his safety.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local education community, with residents and stakeholders calling for urgent action from security agencies.
Family members, colleagues and community leaders have appealed to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the headmaster’s release and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They also urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist security operatives in tracking down the kidnappers.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security operatives had already launched a rescue operation.
“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 arrest those responsible,” Ayanlade stated.
Security agencies have continued investigations as residents hope for the safe return of the respected educator.