Police in Oyo State have rescued headmaster and farmer Matthew Kolawale Owoade after suspected kidnappers allegedly demanded a ₦30 million ransom for his release, bringing a swift end to an abduction that had sparked concern in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

The Oyo State Police Command announced on Monday that Owoade regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, barely 24 hours after gunmen abducted him along the Igbojaye to Budo Aare bush road while returning from his farm.

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Police spokesperson DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said the rescue followed the immediate deployment of a coordinated security operation involving multiple agencies.

According to the command, sustained pressure on the kidnappers forced them to abandon the victim and flee before any ransom was paid.

“The intense operational pressure mounted on the abductors forced the hoodlums to abandon the victim, who regained his freedom on the evening of July 13, 2026,” Olayinka said.

The command confirmed that Owoade was taken to a medical facility for evaluation and necessary treatment. Investigators are expected to debrief him after his recovery to gather intelligence that could lead to the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Commissioner of Police Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga described the operation as the result of close collaboration between security agencies and local residents who provided valuable information during the search.

“The cooperation of sister security agencies, community members and residents greatly contributed to the successful outcome,” the commissioner said, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The rescue came hours after reports indicated that the abductors had contacted Owoade’s family and demanded ₦30 million for his release, raising fears over another high-profile kidnapping in Oyo State.

Earlier reports said the headmaster’s motorcycle was discovered abandoned near the scene of the abduction, prompting an intensive search by security operatives and members of the community.

The incident highlights the persistent challenge of kidnapping in parts of Oyo despite intensified security operations.

In recent months, the state has recorded several abduction cases targeting travellers, farmers and residents, prompting authorities to strengthen intelligence-led policing and joint operations across vulnerable communities.

While Owoade’s safe return offers a reassuring outcome for his family and colleagues, police have stressed that the investigation remains active.

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Detectives are pursuing those behind the kidnapping, with the command urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that could help prevent future attacks.