Gunmen abduct Oyo school headmaster, demand N30m ransom

Abduction of school headmaster

Gunmen have abducted the Headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding a ransom of N30 million for his release.

The 60-year-old educationist, popularly known as "Onaiye," was allegedly kidnapped on Saturday evening, July 11, 2026, between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. while returning from his farm.

According to the report, he had visited his farm before the armed assailants intercepted and whisked him away.

Family account and ransom demand

His son, Mr. Abiola Owoade, said the victim was taken shortly after leaving the farm. He disclosed that the kidnappers contacted the family through the victim's mobile phone soon after the abduction.

The abductors reportedly demanded N30 million as ransom for his freedom.

The incident has thrown the family into distress, as relatives continue to await news of his whereabouts and safety.

Search efforts and community anxiety

A search party mobilised by family members and sympathisers reportedly recovered Mr. Owoade's abandoned motorcycle in a bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The discovery of the motorcycle has raised further fears over his safety. The development has also heightened anxiety among colleagues and residents of Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

Many in the area have expressed concern over what they described as a growing spate of kidnappings in the locality.

Appeal to security agencies

The victim's family appealed to security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, DSS, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts towards securing his immediate and unconditional release.

They also called on members of the public with useful information that could aid rescue efforts to volunteer such information to the appropriate authorities.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had commenced efforts to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.