Gunmen have reportedly abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, demanding ₦30 million for his release.
The victim, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye,” was allegedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning home from his farm.
According to his son, Abiola Owoade, the 60-year-old headmaster was intercepted by armed men between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., who whisked him away to an unknown location.
The kidnappers reportedly contacted the family shortly after the abduction using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded ₦30 million as ransom.
On Sunday morning, a search party discovered the victim’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush, raising further concerns over his whereabouts.
The incident has left family members, colleagues and residents of Itesiwaju Local Government Area deeply worried, with many calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the headmaster safely.
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 secure his immediate release.
The family also urged members of the public to provide any useful information that could assist security operatives in locating the victim.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said efforts were already underway 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,” he said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
