Barely days after security forces rescued dozens of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, armed men have allegedly kidnapped Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, the 60-year-old headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, demanding ₦30 million for his release. The incident has renewed concerns about insecurity around schools in the state.
Fresh anxiety has gripped Oyo State after gunmen reportedly abducted a primary school headmaster only days after the successful rescue of pupils and teachers who spent nearly two months in captivity.
The latest incident has raised fresh questions about the security of rural communities and schools despite recent gains recorded by security agencies in the state.
The victim, Mr. Matthew Kolawale Owoade, popularly known as “Onaiye,” serves as the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.
According to family members, he was abducted on Saturday evening while returning home from his farm in the Budo Aare area when armed men intercepted him and whisked him away to an unknown destination. Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers allegedly contacted the family using the victim’s phone and demanded a ₦30 million ransom for his release.
Relatives and community members immediately launched a search operation, during which the victim’s motorcycle was reportedly discovered abandoned in a nearby bush on Sunday morning.
The disappearance has thrown the local education community into panic, with teachers, residents and union members appealing to security agencies to intensify rescue efforts before the situation deteriorates further.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the abduction, saying efforts are underway to rescue the victim safely and apprehend those responsible.
Police spokesperson DSP Olayinka Ayanlade said investigators have commenced operations following reports that the victim was kidnapped while on his farm. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the incident.
The kidnapping comes shortly after the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area, highlighting persistent security challenges affecting parts of Oyo State.
Residents have urged the government to strengthen surveillance around farming communities, schools and remote roads to prevent another prolonged kidnapping ordeal.
As security agencies intensify efforts to secure Mr. Owoade’s release, the latest abduction has once again placed Oyo State’s security architecture under scrutiny. Families, educators and community leaders are hoping for a swift rescue while calling for stronger preventive measures against the growing threat of kidnapping in rural communities.