A 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been abducted by suspected kidnappers, who are demanding N30 million ransom for his freedom.
The victim, Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known in the community as “Onaiye”, was reportedly kidnapped while returning home after visiting his farm.
His son, Abiola Owoade, disclosed that the abductors later reached out to the family through the victim’s telephone line and demanded N30 million before they would release him.
He said a search party later recovered the victim’s motorcycle, which had been abandoned in a bush, heightening fears over his whereabouts.
The incident has sparked concern among residents, who appealed to the police, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies to act swiftly to secure the headmaster’s safe release.
The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction, saying security operatives had launched efforts to rescue the victim and track down the perpetrators.
According to him, Owoade was abducted at his farm in the Budo Aare area, while an investigation and rescue operation are ongoing.
The latest incident occurred shortly after security authorities announced the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in another part of Oyo State, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing the state.
