Gunmen have abducted the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, Budo Aare, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, Mr. Kolawale Mathew Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, with the kidnappers demanding N30 million for his release.
The 60-year-old educator was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening while returning from his farm in Budo Aare between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Speaking on the incident, the victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, disclosed that the abductors contacted the family shortly after the attack using his father’s mobile phone to demand the ransom.
“My father was returning from his farm when the gunmen abducted him. They later called us with his phone and demanded N30 million for his release,” he said.
He added that a search party recovered the victim’s motorcycle abandoned in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, heightening fears over his safety.
Abiola appealed to security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), hunters and local vigilantes, to intensify efforts to secure his father’s release.
The incident has thrown the education community in Itesiwaju Local Government into mourning, with colleagues and residents expressing concern over the growing wave of insecurity in the area.
The latest abduction comes barely days after more than 40 pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle regained their freedom following a joint security operation after spending 56 days in captivity.
Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Command said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adewale Osifeso Ayanlade, said, “I can confirm that a farmer, Mathew Owoade, was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare. Efforts are ongoing to rescue him unharmed and arrest the perpetrators.”
The police urged residents to remain calm and continue to provide credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
