Gunmen have allegedly kidnapped 60-year-old headmaster Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, demanding a N30 million ransom for his release.
Owoade, who heads Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, was abducted on Saturday evening, 11 July 2026, while returning from his farm within the local government area.
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The victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said the attackers contacted the family shortly after the abduction using his father’s mobile phone and made the ransom demand.
“The incident happened when my father was returning from his farm at Budo Aare within this local government area,” Abiola said.
“Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family using the victim’s mobile phone and demanded a ransom of N30 million for his release.”
According to the family, a search team later discovered Owoade’s motorcycle abandoned in a bush around 8:20am on Sunday, raising concerns over his whereabouts.
Abiola appealed to security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Amotekun, to intensify efforts to rescue his father safely.
The incident has caused concern among members of the education community in the area, with colleagues expressing sadness over the abduction of the school head.
The development comes days after more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State were rescued by joint security agencies after spending 56 days in captivity.
The schools affected in that incident included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School; and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esienle.
Confirming the latest incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade said security operatives were working to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
“I can confirm to you that a farmer, Mathew Owoade, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare, and efforts are on to rescue the man unharmed and arrest the perpetrators,” Ayanlade said.
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Authorities have continued investigations as security agencies work to secure Owoade’s release.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
